Excitement is building at Nakiwogo Landing Site in Entebbe as teams from across Buganda intensify preparations for the Kingdom’s highly anticipated boat racing championship scheduled for Saturday.
More than nine county teams on Wednesday took part in training sessions on Lake Victoria as they refined their rowing techniques and improved endurance ahead of the competition.
Among the teams participating in the preparations are defending champions Busiro, alongside Kyagwe, Kyaddondo, Mawogola, Buvuma, Butambala, and several other counties expected to compete in the annual event.
Speaking during the training session, competition organiser Innocent Agonjela said preparations were progressing well, with officials currently marking the race routes on the lake.
“We are finalising all the necessary preparations, including marking the race courses on the lake according to the different competition distances. We want to ensure that the competition is conducted in a safe and organised manner,” Agonjela said.
He revealed that a total of 18 counties will participate in this year’s championship and commended the Buganda Kingdom for promoting sports among communities that depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
“We thank the Buganda Kingdom for recognising the people who depend on the lake and creating opportunities for them to participate in sports and showcase their talents through competitions like these,” he added.
Defending champions Busiro are among the teams hoping to make a strong statement when the championship gets underway. Busiro Boat Team coach Emmanuel Nsubuga said his team was fully prepared for the challenge.
“Our team has trained hard and we are ready to compete. We expect strong competition from the other counties, but we are determined to give our best and defend our title,” Nsubuga said.
The competition will feature races over distances of 500 metres and 1,000 metres on Lake Victoria, with participants competing for top honours and various prizes.
Organisers and competitors have called upon the public to turn up in large numbers to support their respective counties and witness what is expected to be a thrilling display of teamwork, endurance, and skill on the water.
Winners of the championship will receive trophies and other prizes.