Uganda Set to Host First Africa Dragon Boat Cup

Uganda will host the first Africa Dragon Boat Cup from October 1 to October 4, 2026. Officials from the Africa Dragon Boat Federation confirmed the plan during a meeting with Head of Regional Economic Cooperation Ambassador Richard Kabonero at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Africa Dragon Boat Federation officials were led by the Federation's president, Solomon Muwonge. Other officials, who included Ehab Gouda and Mary Lai, are in Uganda to assess readiness, train and certify local officials, and inspect possible venues.

Amb. Kabonero thanked the federation for promoting dragon boat sport in Uganda, noting that it helps Ugandans discover talent, market the country and strengthen people-to-people relations. Gouda said the 2026 event will attract more than 500 professional athletes from 16 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. Hundreds of fans will follow the teams physically, with millions expected to watch online.

Dragon boat racing has been a traditional sport in China for over 2,500 years. It now has more than 50 million players worldwide, with about 40 million in China. Ms Lai said hosting the Africa Dragon Boat Cup gives Uganda a major chance to showcase tourism, investment and trade opportunities through sports.

The meeting was also attended by the Head of Public Diplomacy, Margaret Kafeero, and Stilson Muhwezi, First Secretary in charge of Sports Diplomacy.