A Lifelong Passion for Swimming
Peter Ssebanakitta, a civil engineer with a remarkable career in Uganda's infrastructure sector, has found a new calling in swimming. His journey began when he served as Commissioner for Roads in the Ministry of Works and later became the first executive director at Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra) in 2008. After stepping away from his professional role just over a decade ago, he discovered a passion that would define his later years.
Ssebanakitta is no stranger to challenges. Recently, he participated in the 2.1km Across the Lake Swim in Kelowna, Canada. Originally aiming to complete the course in 60 minutes, he finished it in an impressive 51 minutes and 37 seconds. This feat was even more remarkable given that his son, Troy, had completed the same challenge the previous year. While Troy could have easily swam faster, he chose to stay alongside his father, highlighting their strong bond and mutual support.
Competing on the World Stage
Ssebanakitta’s dedication to swimming has led him to compete at the highest levels. He recently took part in the World Aquatics Masters Swimming Championships in Doha, where he competed in the 65-69 men’s age group. There, he achieved notable times in the 100m breaststroke (1:48.45), 50m breaststroke (42.79), and 50m freestyle (37.23). These performances not only showcased his skill but also helped him meet entry requirements for future competitions.
Now, Ssebanakitta is preparing for the upcoming World Aquatics Masters Swimming Championships in Singapore, set for August 7-14. For this event, he has set "modest goals" but remains determined to perform well. He acknowledges that competition at the world level is intense, with participants in their 80s often challenging those in his age group. However, he emphasizes that success in swimming relies more on technique than brute strength.
Balancing Training and Goals
Despite his accomplishments, Ssebanakitta admits that training for the Singapore event has been challenging. His recent participation in the 2025 Across the Lake Swim in Canada required significant preparation, which affected his focus on the upcoming championship. The two events demand different skill sets, making it difficult to balance both commitments. However, the experience has pushed him to improve his stamina and adaptability.
Ssebanakitta’s commitment to swimming extends beyond personal achievements. He has been actively involved with the Formidables Swim Club, where he serves as captain. His involvement has also led to representing Uganda in various international competitions, including the Africa Aquatics Zone III Championships in Rwanda (2023) and Burundi (2024), as well as the Zone IV Championships in Zambia (2022) and Botswana (2020).
A Legacy of Sport and Family
Swimming has become more than a sport for Ssebanakitta—it is a lifestyle. Even during the 15 to 20 years he was away from the pool, he ensured that his children developed an interest in the sport. All of his children can swim, and while he credits his influence, he also notes that two of them have taken up Brazilian jiu jitsu, a discipline he never explored himself. Additionally, he has shared the experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with two of his children, though he did not reach the summit due to difficulties at high altitudes.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Ssebanakitta plans to focus more on sprints in the coming year. He believes that by refining his technique and maintaining consistency in training, he can achieve even greater results. His participation in the Singapore championships will include three races: the 100m breaststroke on August 8, the 50m freestyle on August 11, and the 50m breaststroke on August 13.
For Ssebanakitta, swimming is not just about competition—it is a lifelong journey of growth, resilience, and connection. Whether in the pool or on the slopes, he continues to embrace challenges with the same determination that has defined his career.