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David GOMBE
Bugerere Ssaza dominated the semi-final leg for the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta held at Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe Municipality on Saturday, 27th June.
The well attended event was graced by all the 18 counties of Buganda Kingdom.
Buganda Kingdom minister of sports, youth and arts Oweek. Robert Serwanga Salongo was chief guest at the gala also attended by the head of Mmamba (Lungfish) clan Omutaka Gabunga Mubiru Zziikwa V, the head of Bugerere Ssaza and his deputy as well as the Deputy Ssebwaana from Busiro.
Hundreds of riders and supporters clogged the Lake Victoria shoreline of Nakiwogo as early as 8 am, set for the half mile and sprint competitions.
Bugerere Ssaza finished top; ahead of Mawogola and Kabula who took second and third places respectively.
Skippered by Brian Tamale, Bugerere was flawless in the 1400M race and the sprints.
“We prepared well for this event and I give credit to all my teammates as well as our leaders. We look forward the finals in Bunjako come August 22nd” Tamale remarked.
Bugerere’s other team members included Edrine Lukwago, Erisa Mubiru, Calvin Mugabo, Mifubosis Kayikka, Jackson Mandela, Deo Ssenfuka (head coach) and Godfrey Ssenyonga.
The minister Oweek Serwanga lauded the different teams in action, the local organizing committee, technical officers, divers, security, media and all stakeholders who put efforts together for a tranquil championship.
“The Royal Regatta is one of the traditional water sports in Buganda Kingdom. I want to salute the effort of all members for the collective team work to put up such a successful championship. From the Ssaza heads, riders, technical personnel and members of the local organizing committee, divers, security media to the fans, you all did a great deal of work” Oweek. Serwanga lauded.
He tipped the riders on discipline and further outlined the essence of responsible living to avoid the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Eng. Ben Immanuel Misagga, the chairperson of the local organizing committee in a special way commended the technical team for organizing a successful championship, promising a far better event come the grand finals in August.
“We had a good championship because we planned a lot well on time. For grey patches, we shall polish up come the grand finale on 22nd August 2026 in Bunjaako” Eng. Misagga hinted.
The riders competed in the grueling 1400M race through three different heats before the finals then the sprints’ event (600M).
Fans from all works of life chorused songs of praise and encouragement as the riders maneuvered through the still waters.
All the participating teams got a participatory cash reward with top ups for the top three outstanding performers.
Champions Bugerere got an additional Ug.Shs 1,000,000. Mawogola had Ug.Shs 700,000 top up and Kabula received Ug.Shs 500,000.
The grand finale will take place on 22nd August 2026 in Mawokota county.