Uganda’s rising para-swimming star Condoleeza Thembo Nyamisanga Nakazibwe has received a major boost ahead of her maiden international appearance after signing an ambassadorial partnership with swimwear brand Taupoc.
The 13-year-old para-swimmer, who competes in the S9 classification, will represent Uganda at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, marking the biggest milestone of her young career.
Nakazibwe, who lost one of her hands in an accident in 2019, has become one of Uganda’s most promising para-athletes through her resilience and outstanding performances in the pool. She trains with Gators Swim Club Kampala and recently impressed at the Kenya Aquatics National Long Course Swimming Championships in Kasarani, where she competed alongside able-bodied swimmers.
The partnership with Taupoc will see the company provide Nakazibwe with world-class swimming equipment, including high-performance swimsuits, caps, resistance training gear and other accessories, while she serves as the brand’s ambassador.
Speaking after the unveiling, Nakazibwe expressed her excitement about the opportunity.
“I’m very happy to have gotten this deal with Taupoc for swimwear. I like their racing suits because they’re very comfortable both in and out of the water, and I’m proud to represent them as a brand ambassador.”
She added that the sponsorship would motivate her to reach greater heights.
“Being the brand ambassador for Taupoc is a very nice opportunity that I’m grateful for because it’s going to help me perform better. It will help me push myself to higher limits and set even bigger goals for the future.”
Nakazibwe also revealed that wearing a Taupoc swimsuit for the first time during competition significantly boosted her confidence.
“It’s very comfortable and I love the colours. It really boosted my confidence and made me feel better while racing.”
Uganda Aquatics President Moses Mwase welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely investment in one of the country’s brightest para-swimming talents.
“We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to Taupoc for identifying Condoleeza as their brand ambassador. She is a budding athlete, highly disciplined, with a great future ahead of her. She enjoys the full support of Uganda Aquatics, the Uganda Paralympic Committee and the Government of Uganda.”
Mwase noted that swimming equipment is often expensive and that the sponsorship would ease a significant burden as Nakazibwe prepares for international competition.
“Swimming gear is quite costly, so we are hopeful this partnership will bear fruit and continue to grow because she has a long career ahead of her. It is commendable that Taupoc has chosen to support an athlete while she is still developing.”
The partnership was initiated after Taupoc representatives watched Nakazibwe compete at a swimming gala in Kasarani, Kenya.
Raphael Kanyeslee, representing Taupoc Swimwear East Africa explained what impressed the company.
“We met Condoleeza during the gala in Kasarani and immediately saw an incredible talent. She was competing with able-bodied swimmers and holding her own. We believed she could make a real impact as a Taupoc ambassador.”
Kanyeslee said the proposal was presented to Taupoc headquarters, which quickly embraced the idea.
“My partner Carol and I shared her story with the headquarters and they were very impressed. That’s how we arrived at today’s partnership.”
He described the agreement as a long-term commitment with no fixed timeline.
“This is an open-ended partnership. We want to work with Condoleeza for the long run because she is inspiring many people. We are equipping her with everything she needs—from state-of-the-art racing suits and swimming caps to resistance bands and other training accessories—to help her reach the next level.”
Beyond supporting Nakazibwe, Taupoc hopes the partnership will expand the brand’s presence across Africa while making quality swimming equipment more accessible.
“We hope to continue growing as a brand that provides affordable, high-quality swimwear to more swimmers across Africa, while also increasing our visibility on the continent.”
Nakazibwe’s selection for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games marks her first opportunity to represent Uganda on the international stage as a para-swimmer.
