Buganda Revives Traditional Boat Races for Kabaka's Anniversary

Buganda Kingdom is celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s coronation with the revival of its traditional boat races, known as ‘Amaato ga Kabaka’. The event, held at Bunjako White Beach in Mawokota County, saw youth from various counties compete, aiming to foster cultural preservation and youth engagement.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, emphasized the deep historical roots of water sports in the Kingdom, citing historical accounts of the Kabaka’s naval forces and recreational use of Lake Victoria.

“Water sports are very old here in Buganda. They are not something new. The Kabaka used to have an army on this lake, and when the Europeans came, Kabaka Muteesa I had more than 10,000 boats carrying fighters on Lake Nalubaale,” Mayiga stated.

He further highlighted that reviving these sports offers economic benefits to communities reliant on the lake and provides entertainment. The Minister of Sports, Robert Serwanga, confirmed that the races will become an annual event, thanking participants for their support in promoting this tradition.

The boats themselves are traditionally crafted from mkebu wood, a resilient timber suitable for the lake. Participants and elders alike praised the youth’s commitment to Buganda’s heritage, encouraging continued passion for its preservation.

The revival of ‘Amaato ga Kabaka’ serves as a tangible link to Buganda’s past, showcasing traditional boat-building knowledge, historical naval strength, and the enduring cultural relationship with Lake Victoria. Mawokota County emerged as the overall winner of the competition. This initiative successfully merges traditional sport with youth involvement and cultural continuity, reinforcing Buganda’s historic ties to its aquatic resources.

Source: Nile Post