Bugerere Dominates Buganda Royal Regatta Semi-Finals to Book Grand Finale Spot
ENTEBBE — Bugerere Ssaza delivered a commanding performance to emerge overall winners of the semi-final leg of the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta, held at Nakiwogo Landing Site in Entebbe Municipality on Saturday.
The colourful championship attracted all 18 counties (Amasaza) of the Buganda Kingdom, with hundreds of paddlers, supporters and cultural enthusiasts lining the shores of Lake Victoria from the early hours of the morning to witness one of the kingdom’s most treasured traditional sporting events.
Bugerere stamped their authority throughout the day’s competition, finishing ahead of Mawogola and Kabula, who claimed second and third places respectively after a series of fiercely contested 1,400-metre races and 600-metre sprint events.
Led by skipper Brian Tamale, Bugerere displayed remarkable teamwork and endurance to remain flawless across both disciplines, securing a deserved victory and building momentum ahead of the championship finale.
“We prepared well for this event and I give credit to all my teammates as well as our leaders. We now look forward to the finals in August,” Tamale said after receiving the winners’ accolades.
The victorious Bugerere team comprised Edrine Lukwago, Erisa Mubiru, Calvin Mugabo, Mifubosis Kayikka, Jackson Mandela, head coach Deo Ssenfuka and Godfrey Ssenyonga.
The regatta was graced by the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Sports, Youth and Arts, Oweek. Robert Serwanga Salongo, who served as chief guest. Also in attendance were Omutaka Gabunga Mubiru Zziikwa V, head of the Mmamba (Lungfish) Clan, Bugerere Ssaza leadership and the Deputy Ssebwaana of Busiro, among other dignitaries.
Addressing participants, Oweek Serwanga praised the riders, organisers, technical officials, divers, security personnel, media and fans for ensuring a successful and peaceful competition.
“The Royal Regatta is one of Buganda Kingdom’s treasured traditional sports. I commend everyone—from the Ssaza leaders and riders to the technical officials, local organising committee, divers, security personnel, media and supporters—for their collective effort in making this championship a success,” he said.
The minister also urged participants to uphold discipline and embrace responsible lifestyles, stressing the importance of continued awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Local Organising Committee chairperson Eng. Ben Immanuel Misagga attributed the success of the event to thorough planning and teamwork, while promising an even better spectacle during the grand finale.
“We planned extensively for this championship and the results have been encouraging. We have identified areas for improvement and will deliver an even better event during the grand finale on August 22,” Misagga noted.
The atmosphere at Nakiwogo remained electric throughout the day as enthusiastic supporters cheered on their respective counties, singing traditional songs and encouragement while the riders navigated the calm waters of Lake Victoria.
All participating teams received cash rewards, with the top three earning additional prize money. Champions Bugerere received a UGX 1 million bonus, runners-up Mawogola earned UGX 700,000, while third-placed Kabula took home UGX 500,000.
Attention now shifts to the Buganda Royal Regatta grand finale, scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Mawokota County, where the kingdom’s finest paddlers will battle for overall supremacy.