"It feels really amazing, not just being on this stage, but also being an inspiration to all the other younger kids out there to reach for their dreams as soon as they can," Kukundakwe shared with Olympics.com. "For me, it's quite nice because I'm able to share my story, what it's like living in Uganda with a disability, and how I've pushed through those challenges."

In Uganda, stereotypes about disabilities are still common. Kukundakwe recalls how she once felt the same shame that keeps many people with impairments from leaving their homes. Growing up, she associated disability with isolation and poverty, fearing she would end up like the people she saw begging on the streets. However, her mindset shifted after attending her first Para swimming competition. Surrounded by fellow athletes with impairments, Kukundakwe's confidence grew as she made friends and realised her potential.

Returning from her first world championships in 2019, she noticed a change. People who once mocked her disability started greeting her in school hallways. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she was the youngest competitor across all sports at 14 years old, provided an even larger platform for her to speak about disabilities in Uganda, a role she has fully embraced.

"I love helping people so much," she said. "I love being a voice for others." Kukundakwe began swimming at age three, taking lessons at five. Initially just for fun, her competitive spirit was ignited after watching her cousin race at a school gala. She competes not only against Para athletes, but also against able-bodied swimmers since there are no other active Para swimmers at an international level in Uganda. This dual competition is both a challenge and a motivation.

"Let's say I come first in my heat, but my time isn’t good enough for a national medal, it could push me down a little," she explained. "But I see it as an advantage because these guys are pushing me to my best level." Training in Uganda comes with its own challenges, such as limited access to 50m pools. The country has only one, part of a hotel complex with no spectator seating and expensive fees. Most athletes train in a 25m pool, making the transition to 50m competitions difficult.

Despite these obstacles, Kukundakwe reached the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, becoming Uganda’s second Para swimmer to compete at the Paralympics and the first in 21 years. In Paris 2024, she is set to compete in three events: the women’s 100m breaststroke SB8, 50m freestyle S8, and 100m butterfly S8.

Kukundakwe's determination is fuelled by her desire to change perceptions of disabilities in Uganda. Inspired by middle-distance runner David Emong, Uganda’s only Paralympic medalist, she hopes to demonstrate the value that people with disabilities can bring to society. "I want to continue to inspire, especially the younger generation with or without disabilities, to reach for their dreams," she said. "There are times when I feel exhausted and question if I can continue this lifestyle, but I always remember why I started swimming in the first place, because the water made me feel free."

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Balancing a rigorous training schedule with school, Kukundakwe’s day starts at 04:00 and ends around 21:30. After training sessions and a full day of high school, she sometimes has additional commitments, such as meetings or community talks. Despite the hectic pace, she wouldn’t choose any other life. "I love sharing my story. I love inspiring people to reach for their dreams," Kukundakwe told Olympics.com.

In addition to her swimming career, Kukundakwe is passionate about education, aiming for a future in the medical field. "I want to become a pediatrician, but if I change my mind, I still want to stay in medicine," she said. "I've always been intrigued by how I was born with a disability. I want to research more, learn more, and see if it can be prevented or detected earlier." Her passion for both swimming and education drives her, as she continues to push boundaries and inspire others.