Despite being just 19, Kukundakwe has already established herself as a seasoned competitor on the world stage, having made history as the youngest Ugandan Paralympian at the 2020 Tokyo Games at age 14.
She later competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and served as Uganda’s flag bearer at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“Creating history is a tremendous honor for Uganda,” she remarked, reflecting on her Paralympic debut in Japan.
“It was a major milestone when we returned home, raising awareness of para‑sport among Ugandans and prompting greater governmental support,” she explained.
Born without a lower right arm, Kukundakwe will contest the 100m freestyle S9 and 100m breaststroke SB8 events.
In para‑swimming, the ‘S’ classification denotes freestyle events and ‘SB’ breaststroke, with numbers 1 through 10 indicating the severity of limb impairments — lower numbers representing greater impairment.
The young athlete acknowledges that swimming has transformed her life.
“Swimming boosted my confidence. Prior to the pool, I would wear long sleeves or sweaters even in hot weather to conceal my hand,” she said.
“Since I began swimming — a sport that leaves little room for concealment — I have felt far more comfortable with myself. I realized that my appearance is irrelevant; what matters is what I can accomplish,” she added.
Kukundakwe aims to win Uganda’s first ever Commonwealth swimming medal, targeting a podium finish in the breaststroke.
She is not alone; fellow para‑athlete Alphonse is also aiming for her first Commonwealth medal after finishing sixth in the 1500m T54 four years ago.
She will compete in both the 1500m T54 and the 400m T54 this time.
“I recall winning my first World Championship medal at the 2023 Paris Games — a silver in the 100m T54 — which shifted my mindset in Mauritius,” she said.
“Many young people with disabilities and their families were inspired by my performances. Several of my teammates first discovered para‑sport by watching me on television,” she added.
A milestone of inclusion was marked when the inaugural gold medal at these Games was awarded to a para‑athlete — England’s Mark Swan won the men’s lightweight powerlifting title, with Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike earning silver.
Tahiru Haruna, a former arm wrestler who turned to powerlifting in 2017, aimed to secure Ghana’s second Commonwealth para‑sport medal but finished seventh in the heavyweight category.
Despite personal disappointment, he believes athletes like himself can inspire disabled people across Africa.
“In Ghana, I regularly visit schools and community spaces to promote sports, challenge stigma, and encourage people with disabilities to participate,” he said.
“In many Ghanaian schools, children with physical challenges are excluded from sports, so we work with physical‑education teachers to integrate them,” he explained.
“Inclusion is essential; we do not need to separate ourselves,” he concluded.