By Our Staff Reporter

KAWUKU, WAKISO — October 1
, 2026
Uganda has hosted its first-ever African Dragon Boat Racing Competition on Lake Victoria, bringing together teams from across Africa and international guests in an event aimed at promoting China-Africa friendship, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations.

The three-day competition was held at Kawuku in Wakiso District under the African Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF), as part of activities marking 70 years of China-Africa people-to-people friendship.

The event was officiated by Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. His keynote address was delivered by Jimmy Nambiro, Private Secretary in charge of Education and Skilling at State House.

Kirunda conveyed President Museveni’s greetings to the participants and organisers and commended China and the participating countries for supporting the event.

He said the competition demonstrated how sport can bring countries together while creating opportunities for cooperation in areas beyond athletics.

Kirunda said dragon boat racing provides an opportunity for Uganda to showcase its tourism potential to international visitors.

He noted that sporting events attract participants and spectators from different countries, giving them an opportunity to experience Uganda’s natural attractions and explore potential investment opportunities.

“Sports cannot be separated from tourism because many people have come here to witness this sport, and that also serves as tourism,” he said.

He encouraged international visitors to explore Uganda and described the country as a safe, friendly and welcoming destination.

Kirunda also assured the African Dragon Boat Federation of Government support as the sport continues to develop in Uganda.

He said Uganda remains open to investment in different sectors, including sports, and that events such as the dragon boat competition can create opportunities for both business and tourism.

The competition attracted teams from Uganda, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa, alongside special guests from Singapore and Hong Kong.

ADBF President Ehab Gouda, from Egypt, said the event was designed to promote unity through sport while showcasing African sporting talent and strengthening international friendship.

He said Uganda could become a future hub for dragon boat racing and related activities on the African continent.

Gouda thanked President Museveni and the Ugandan Government for welcoming the federation and supporting the organisation of the inaugural competition.

ADBF Secretary General Mary Lai said the federation was pleased to bring the sport to Uganda.

She said organising the competition during the 70th anniversary celebrations of China-Africa people-to-people friendship provided an opportunity to strengthen relations between the two sides through sport

Participants from different countries expressed excitement about taking part in the historic event.

Munir Hilmi, captain of the Egyptian team, said it was his first visit to Uganda and praised the organisers for the reception.

South African paddlers Idries Meyer and Ibrahim Abrahams said their team travelled to Uganda to participate in the competition and celebrate China-Africa friendship through sport.

Kenyan representative Fredrick Ominde said his team had spent two months preparing for the competition.

“We have been training for this event for the last two months,” Ominde said, thanking the organisers for the event and the hospitality extended to participants.

The event also attracted international technical officials, including Jason Chen, a Chief Race Official from Singapore, who said he was pleased to be part of Uganda’s inaugural dragon boat competition.

Uganda was represented by the Uganda Federation Dragon Team, which also underwent extensive preparations ahead of the competition.

Peter Lwanga, a representative of the Ugandan team, said the paddlers had trained for about two months in preparation for the event and had been involved in the sport for several years.

He said the Ugandan team was confident of performing strongly against the visiting teams.

The organisers said the competition is expected to contribute to the growth of dragon boat racing in Uganda while creating a platform for cultural exchange, tourism promotion and stronger international partnerships.

Kirunda also highlighted the inclusive nature of dragon boat racing, noting that the sport can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate.

The inaugural competition therefore marks a new chapter for dragon boat racing in Uganda while providing an additional platform for strengthening Uganda-China and broader Africa-China relations through sport.