China Dragon Boat Festival held on L.Victoria shores
Tourism ministry torurism development officer James Mboijana said the festival is one of the platforms where two cultures are celebrated.
Participants compete during the festival held on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kawuku on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Photos by Nicholas Kajoba)
By Paul Kiwuuwa
Journalists @New Vision
________________
The 2025 China-Uganda Dragon Boat Festival has been held on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kawuku, Wakiso district.
The Chinese embassy in Uganda and Uganda's tourism ministry organised the Sunday, June 1, 2025, event, which saw hundreds of Ugandans and Chinese turn up to watch the boat races.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday commemorating ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.). Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival this year fell on May 31.
The 160 racers, who were a mix of Chinese and Ugandans, made up eight teams and listened to the drumbeat as they paddled their boats to the finish line.
Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong said the competition is vital in promoting global cultural heritage.
“Dragon boat race festival brings in more and attracts more Chinese nationals to Uganda, who want to be part of the festival. This enables the country to improve and promote its tourism sites,” he said.
He urged more Chinese to visit Uganda and tour different tourism sites in the country.
Tourism ministry torurism development officer James Mboijana said the festival is one of the platforms where two cultures are celebrated.
"Today's event cements the relationship between Uganda and the Chinese community. We celebrate culture, and development together, “he said.
Emmanuel Mbaziira, captain of the winning team: HerBay Tiantang, said it’s the fifth time they are competing in the race.
“This is the fifth year we have been participating in the boat race and we are happy that we have finally won the race,” he said.
The four winning teams were crowned with trophies and certificates.