Uganda wins inaugural African Dragon Boat Championship
Uganda dominated the 2,000m and 200m races to secure the continental title, while South Africa A won the 500m events.
Uganda dragon Boat athletes after winning the 200m race at the inaugural African Championship at Kawuku - Bugiri Nanjing Beach, Oct 3, 2026. (Photos by Silvano Kibuuka)
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Uganda are the inaugural African Dragon Boat Championship winners after collecting 13 points in the two-day competition at Nanjing Chinese Beach in Kawuku, Bugiri.
South Africa finished second with 11 points, while Egypt collected three points. Kenya did not register any points. The championship attracted teams from four countries, with Uganda and South Africa each fielding two teams.
Uganda dominated the 2,000m and 200m races to secure the continental title, while South Africa A won the 500m events.
Team Uganda captain Hassan Biganuro hailed the Uganda Dragon Boat Federation (UDBF) for enabling the country to participate in the continental championship that concluded on October 3, 2026.
Egyptian Dragon Boat team pedaling after finishing a heat at Kawuku -Burigi Nanjing Beach at teh African Champinships October 3, 2026.
“We thank the continental vice-president, Solomon Muwonge, for hosting the event in Uganda and for the strong groundwork to develop the sport. We hope to have the second edition next year, still in Uganda, which will also host the continental headquarters,” said Gouda.
Jason Chen, the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Competition and Technical Commission chairman, oversaw the officiating and praised Africa for launching its continental championship.
“We have continental championships in Europe, Asia, and Pan America every two years, while the World Club Championship is held in between. We are happy that Africa has now come on board, but there is a challenge regarding the basic infrastructure and facilities required for an international competition,” said Chen.
UDBF president Solomon Muwonge expressed gratitude for the breakthrough and called for a review of the certification and funding of sports disciplines that struggle to meet the requirement of reaching 75 percent of Uganda’s districts.
Muwonge also thanked the Uganda Tourism Board for sponsoring the championship.