Uganda to host East and Central Africa rowing tourney

By James Bakama

Uganda will this year host its first international rowing championship. The East and Central Club Rowing Championship will be jointly staged at Luzira, Kisubi and Garuga.

Uganda Rowing Federation (URF) head Hamza Kahwa said that Kenya, Madagascar, Senegal, Uganda and Namibia have confirmed participation for the competition scheduled for March 6-9.

URF, has in preparation for the event, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kisubi Beach management to start up a center of excellence at the Lake Victoria site.

Kisubi will next month together with the Miami Beach (Luzira) and Garuga centers host the national regatta where the best rowers for the international event will be chosen.

The international event will be preceded by a level two umpiring and coaching course to be held at Kisubi.

 “The only way to measure up to the required international standards is by ensuring that officiation is at its best,” noted Kahwa.

Uganda Olympic Committee president William Blick, who witnessed the signing of the MOU between URF and the beach proprietor Robert Lwanga, promised support.

“Besides offering financial support, we shall offer logistics and a fully functioning secretariat at the UOC offices,” pledged Blick at the ceremony.

Blick thanked Lwanga and noted that such an offer was priceless.

“In Uganda there is a shortage of facilities, so when people like you come out with such support, we are very appreciative,” Blick stated.

The last edition of the East and Central Championship was won by Uganda in Kenya. National coach Roderick Muhumuza said that Nanjing Youth Olympic bound rowers Constance Mambo and Alfred Okello will be some of the big names Uganda will be looking to for medals.