Uganda Rowing draws record crowd at 2026 Buganda Regatta Finals

More than 2,000 spectators watched Uganda Rowing’s Beach Sprint Invitational at the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta Finals at Bunjako Beach in Mpigi District. The turnout was the largest ever recorded for a rowing competition in Uganda.

Elijah Namunyu of Maroons Aqua Sports Club won the CM1x gold medal in 2:32.31, setting a personal best. Kampala Rowing Club’s Joshua Masola took silver in 2:47.50, while his teammate Derrick Muhindo finished third.

The invitational brought athletes from Maroons Aqua Sports Club, Kampala Rowing Club, Kisubi Pirates Rowing Club and UPDF Rowing Club together for domestic competition. Its place within the Buganda Royal Regatta Finals gave Beach Sprint rowing exposure to a much wider audience than the sport normally reaches.

The event also included Grace Kyomuhendo, a 14-year-old UPDF Rowing Club athlete competing in the CJW1x category. As the only junior female entrant, she completed the time trial alongside the men’s field, gaining experience in the discipline and highlighting Uganda Rowing’s focus on increasing junior and female participation.

The competition was supported by coaches from the participating clubs, including Abubaker Kakule and Godfrey Chan Wengo of Maroons Aqua Sports Club, Sulaiman Ssegawa of Kisubi Pirates, Mugisha Kwiringira of Kampala Rowing Club, and Christine Kabuwo and Bosco Zziwa of UPDF Rowing Club. Several had completed the World Rowing Level 1 Development Coach Course in Uganda in 2025, linking recent coach training with club-level competition.

Dr Gerry Noble, Uganda Rowing’s vice-president for technical and operations, handled the preparation and management of the coastal boats. Akii Rowing’s Kenneth Masaba, Josh Mashereka, Mugisha Ernest and Muhoozi Dickson helped with boat handling and athlete changes, while national coach and secretary general Batenga Nakisozi oversaw the competition. The invitational was sponsored by The North Green School, which also provided cash prizes for the top three performers.