Buganda Kingdom Royal Regatta: 18 counties vie for title

Boat racing and the Buganda Kingdom enjoy a history that goes as far back as 800 years.

Then, it was a major recreation and extreme sport in the kingdom during Kabaka Kintu’s reign and the early years of the kingdom. Buganda also went on to have one of the strongest marine forces in East Africa.

And although the sport lost its influence in the latter years, it seems to have made a major comeback recently.

The third edition of the Royal Regatta (Amaato ga Kabaka) championship is set to climax this weekend, Saturday June 8 at Nabugabo Landing Site in Masaka. The event will be graced by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

All the 18 counties that make up the Buganda Kingdom are expected to register their teams of five and will have to undergo mandatory boat checks that will be done today, Thursday at the landing site in Masaka.

“I can confirm that all is set ahead of the Royal Regatta competition slated for this Saturday at Nabugabo Sand beach in Masaka. 18 counties will take part in the event with the ultimate winners walking away with various prizes,” said chairman of the organizing committee, Ben Immanuel Misagga

The winners of this year’s edition will walk away with a trophy and gold medals, the runners up silver medals and second runners up bronze medals on top of other prices such as smart phones that are to be given by event sponsors Pearl Seeds.

“We are delighted to join hands with the organisers of the Royal Regatta, a competition that is great to the Buganda Kingdom. We decided to give out 10 smart phones and we promise to always give support to the Kingdom,” Pearl Seeds managing director Cliff Richard Masagazi said.

Last year, the competition was not held due to the busy schedule in the Kingdom. Several musicians are lined up to entertain revellers.