Uganda is set to make history as the host of the first-ever Africa Dragon Boat Cup, scheduled to take place from October 1st to 4th, 2026. The announcement was made by Solomon Muwonge, President of the Uganda Dragon Boat Federation, during a high-level meeting with Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting also included a visiting delegation from the Africa Dragon Boat Federation, led by Mr. Ehab Gouda and General Secretary Ms. Mary Lai. The officials were in Uganda to assess the country’s readiness to host the continental event, certify local officials, and inspect potential venues for the competition.
Ambassador Kabonero expressed appreciation for the federation’s efforts in promoting Dragon Boat sport in Uganda, emphasizing that the event would offer young athletes an avenue to develop their talents while showcasing the country to international audiences. He highlighted the potential for sports to strengthen people-to-people connections and elevate Uganda’s profile abroad.
Mr. Gouda revealed that the Africa Dragon Boat Cup would attract over 500 professional athletes from 16 countries spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. The competition is expected to draw hundreds of fans to the venues, with millions more following the event online, creating significant international exposure for Uganda.
Dragon Boat racing, a sport with a rich heritage in China dating back over 2,500 years, currently boasts more than 50 million active participants globally, including over 40 million in China alone. Its combination of athleticism, teamwork, and cultural tradition has made it a popular global sport with growing international appeal.
Ms. Mary Lai emphasized that hosting the Africa Dragon Boat Cup offers Uganda a unique opportunity to leverage sports as a gateway for tourism, investment, and trade. She described the event as a platform for the country to highlight its scenic waterways, hospitality, and business potential to a global audience.
The Uganda Dragon Boat Federation is working closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure all logistical, training, and operational requirements are met ahead of the 2026 event. Local officials will undergo certification programs to guarantee that the competition meets international standards.
By bringing the Africa Dragon Boat Cup to Uganda, the country aims to position itself as a hub for international sports events, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and create lasting economic and social impact. The 2026 competition promises to be a landmark event in both Uganda’s sporting history and its global engagement through sports.
