Hanifah Mutesi

Retired Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Hanifah Mutesi enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2021 because as an immigrant from Uganda, she wanted to give back to the country that gave her so much. She saw opportunities to learn valuable skills, travel the world, create a positive impact, and build a stable future. Still early in her career, Mutesi sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as migraines, major depression, and anxiety. Her mental health provider connected her with Navy Wounded Warrior and she attended her first adaptive sports camp in November 2025. She initially wanted to build her confidence, strength, focus, discipline, and independence by pushing her limits and proving her abilities through sports. What she found was a supportive community of other Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who understood her experiences and created fellowship together. Mutesi found a new love for archery because it strengthened her body with improved posture and balance, as well as her mind with sharpened focus, patience, and precision. It translated to other parts of her healing, teaching her to stay calm under pressure. The repetitive motions felt meditative and the incremental improvements rebuilt her confidence to know that her limitations don’t define her abilities. As she trains for Warrior Games, she is driven to developing her existing talents, growing in new skills, and having fun and enjoying the overall experience.