Beach Sprint Rowing Makes Waves at Buganda Royal Regatta

The Buganda Royal Regatta at Bunjako Beach recently hosted Uganda Rowing’s Beach Sprint Invitational, an event that captivated over 2,000 spectators, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s popularity in the country.

Elijah Namunyu of Maroons Aqua Sports Club delivered a stellar performance, clinching gold in the Coastal Men’s Solo (CM1x) category with a new national best time of 2:32.31. He was followed by Joshua Masola of Kampala Rowing Club in silver (2:47.50) and his teammate Derrick Muhindo in bronze (3:06.15).

The event also championed junior development, featuring 14-year-old Grace Kyomuhendo from UPDF Rowing Club. Competing as the sole junior female entrant in the Coastal Junior Women’s Solo (CJW1x), Kyomuhendo gained valuable experience, completing the course in 4:15.97 alongside the men’s field.

Bosco Zziwa, a seasoned masters rower from UPDF Rowing Club, expressed his astonishment at the large turnout. “I have been rowing since 2008, and in all my years in the sport I have never experienced anything like this,” Zziwa commented, emphasizing the electrifying atmosphere created by the cheering crowd.

National coach and Uganda Rowing’s secretary general, Batenga Nakisozi, underscored the event’s success in showcasing the technical infrastructure built over the past year. This included support from various coaches and a dedicated boat handling team from TNGS, sponsors of the event. The beach sprint format, involving a sprint down the beach, a slalom course on water, and another sprint back to the finish, proved highly engaging for the audience.

Nakisozi highlighted the collaborative effort and the strategic inclusion within the Buganda Royal Regatta as key to broadening the sport’s appeal beyond its traditional hubs. The competition served as a crucial step in strengthening domestic structures, fostering participation, enhancing technical expertise, and elevating the visibility of Ugandan rowing clubs and athletes.

This landmark event was sponsored by The North Green School (TNGS). You can find more details about the Uganda Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational results at https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/beach-rowers-dazzle-masses-at-buganda-royal-regatta—5571668.