‘Kuba Nkasi paka Kuwulira bubi’, Katikkiro Launches 2024 Improved Buganda Royal Regatta
The Buganda Kingdom prime, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga has on Saturday, 24, February 2024 at Pope Paul Hotel in Kampala launched the 2024 edition of Buganda Royal Regatta.
In his speech, Owek. Mayiga highlighted the importance of water sport in the kingdom and the history that rym with it.
Katikkiro also thanked the committee for putting the rules and regulations in place which wasn’t the case in the previous editions.
“Regatta is a very old sport in the kingdom of Buganda.” Katikkiro revealed
“Buganda is surrounded by water, much of our heritage is promised on practices which resonate with activities that are carried out on water. And to show this, a number of our clans, their activities are based on water…..Ssekabaka Mutesa the I, had a navy made up of over 10,000 boats…..His son and the successor, Ssekabaka Mwanga II loved the water very much and engaged in a number of water sports including the canoe regatta….. indeed the Kabaka’s lake was dag on his orders because he wanted to get out of the water and go straight to his palace, so the decision to launch the regatta here resonates very well with the history of the kingdom and the heritage we have on the water.” He stated.
“I commend the committee for their efforts to standardize the rules and regulations that are followed when participating in such sporting activities, you can’t have Successful activities unless you have the rules they follow.” Katikkiro’s speech at the launch of the regatta.
This mini regatta will have three events at Bunjako Beach in Mawokota, Nakiwogo in Entebbe Busiro and Kazi Busaabala. According to the Minister, the first event will be held on 30th March 2024, the second one 1st June and the climaxing event will be held on 24th August 2024.
While addressing media, the Minister revealed the Kingdom’s main goal in reviving the regatta.
“Our major goal is to make this regatta international, we want international teams to come and compete in Uganda, it’s our long time tradition which we’re turning international for everyone to come and compete with specific regulations and competitors.” Says Sports Minister Owek. Robert Sserwanga Ssalongo.
The chairperson of the committee that organizes the Buganda Royal Regatta, Eng. Immanuel Ben Misagga revealed the milestone they have achieved this edition.
“One of the most important things today which were highlighted is the launching of the standard boat and the rules and regulations of the regatta, what’s most important is that this Regatta is now standardized, so come and enjoy and we’re calling the sponsors to join because this is a very huge platform.” Says the chairperson, Eng. Immanuel Ben Misagga.
The participants will compete via their clans, counties, islands and clubs.