Uganda has hosted its first-ever African Dragon Boat Racing competition, with government officials and organisers highlighting the sport’s potential to strengthen people-to-people relations, promote tourism and create investment opportunities.
The three-day competition is being held on Lake Victoria in Kawuku, Wakiso District, under the African Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF).
The event has brought together teams from Uganda, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa, alongside special guests from Singapore and Hong Kong, as part of activities marking 70 years of China-Africa people-to-people friendship.
The Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary to the President, Faruk Kirunda, said sporting events such as dragon boat racing provide an avenue for strengthening relations between countries while creating opportunities beyond sport.
Kirunda made the remarks while officiating at the opening of the competition. His keynote address was delivered on his behalf by the Private Secretary in charge of Education and Skilling at State House, Jimmy Nambiro.
Kirunda conveyed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s greetings to participants and organisers and thanked China and the participating countries for supporting the event.
“He sends regards to you all,” Nambiro said while delivering Kirunda’s message.
Kirunda said the competition was particularly significant as Africa and China mark 70 years of people-to-people relations.
“We celebrate 70 years when Africa is enjoying good relations with China, and that is something that we must uphold,” he said.
He described the competition as an opportunity for participating countries to interact, collaborate and explore areas of cooperation beyond sport.
“This competition is very good. This is an opportunity for us to meet and collaborate and do many things together,” he said.
Kirunda also linked the competition to Uganda’s tourism potential, saying international sporting events can attract visitors while showcasing the country’s natural attractions.
“You cannot separate sports from tourism because many people have come here to witness this sport, and that also serves as tourism,” he said.
He encouraged participants and visitors to explore Uganda’s other tourism attractions during their stay.
Kirunda also assured the organisers of government support for the development of dragon boat racing in Uganda.
“We pledge that the Government of Uganda is ready to support this federation,” he said.
He described Uganda as a friendly and welcoming destination and encouraged international visitors to return for tourism and other activities.
“Uganda is a friendly and welcoming country. Please feel free to come and enjoy anytime,” he said.
Kirunda also described Uganda as a potential investment destination, including in the sports sector.
“Uganda is still a vast destination for investments in many fields such as sports. This event is an avenue for people to come and visit, enjoy and also invest,” he said.
He noted that dragon boat racing can also provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport.
“This is a good game because even people who are physically challenged can take part,” he said.
ADBF President Ehab Gouda, from Egypt, said the competition was intended to promote unity, tourism and international friendship through sport.
“The event gives us an opportunity to foster unity through this exhilarating sport, while promoting tourism and camaraderie among participating countries,” Gouda said.
He said Uganda was being considered as a potential future hub for dragon boat activities on the African continent.
Gouda said the sport could also help promote Uganda as a tourism destination by giving international participants an opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty and attractions.
He thanked President Museveni and the Ugandan Government for welcoming the federation and supporting the competition.
ADBF Secretary General Mary Lai said the federation was pleased to introduce the competition to Uganda.
“We are very happy to be here. We have brought dragon boat competition to Uganda,” Lai said.
She said holding the competition as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations would further strengthen people-to-people relations between China and Africa through sport.
Participants from the participating countries expressed excitement about taking part in the inaugural event.
Munir Hilmi, captain of the Egyptian dragon boat team, said it was his first visit to Uganda and thanked the organisers for the reception.
“This is my first time coming to Uganda. I am very happy to come here. I appreciate the organisers,” he said.
South African paddlers Idries Meyer and Ibrahim Abrahams also welcomed the opportunity to participate, saying their team had travelled to Uganda to 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. I thank the organisers for organising this event and for the good reception,” Ominde said.
The competition has also attracted international officials, including Jason Chen, the Chief Race Official from Singapore.
Chen said he was pleased to be part of the inaugural competition in Uganda.
Ugandan representative Peter Lwanga of the Uganda Federation Dragon Team said the local team had also undergone extensive preparations.
“We have been training for this event for the last two months and we have been doing this for some good years,” Lwanga said.
He said the Ugandan team was optimistic about its chances in the competition.
The three-day event is expected to provide a platform for sporting competition while promoting cultural exchange, tourism and closer people-to-people relations among participants from Africa and beyond.
