Three members of Uganda Kuchu Aquatics Team (UKAT) are currently in Miami, Florida representing the country at the International Out Games. The team will at the end of the tournament have collectively taken part in the breast-stroke , freestyle , butterfly and backstroke categories. The particulars of each team member are as follows

i) Claire Byarugaba - 50 breast-stroke, 50 freestyle 100 breaststroke

Ii) Diane Bakuraira-50  breast-stroke, 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly and 100 breaststroke

Iii) Third team member- 200 breast-stroke, 100 breaststroke, 50 breast-stroke and 50 freestyle

The team which participated in the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics last year is very hopeful to bag big wins from the Out Games. The community back home is buzzing with excitement as this rather very young team continues to break barriers and create visibility for Uganda’ s kuchu community as well draw attention to the un-nurtured and unmoulded talents therein.

“We have so much hope in this team; they are barely a year old but the dedication and time that they have invested make you believe in them even more. They are winners and they know it- as a community, we couldn’t be prouder,” an enthusiast said.

The team which is led by Captain Diane Bakuraira is bigger than the three who are currently in Miami- it consists of about seven dedicated members that train on a weekly basis. Your community is extremely proud of you all, and we believe this is only the beginning and for you, the limit is boundless.

Meanwhile, several sports disciplines that were to be competed in at the Out Games were canceled just one day to their commencement. On Friday, organizers announced that most of the 450 events that had been put in place had to be canceled  due to financial constraints.

The organisers released a statement to this effect, which read in part, “It is with great regret that due to financial burdens, World Out Games must cancel opening and closing ceremonies with the exception of aquatics, country western dance and soccer. The Human Rights Conference and cultural programs will continue as planned.”

Out Games, which is the biggest and most prestigious LGBT sporting competition now faces accusations of fraud,, none compensation of participants who had paid registration fees as well as a risk of several Law suits.

EDITOR'S NOTE: All pictures taken from Diane Bakuraira's facebook timeline