China-Africa ties hailed as Uganda hosts inaugural African Dragon Boat Racing competition

What the report says

Uganda has hosted its first African Dragon Boat Racing competition, with the event taking place on Lake Victoria in Kawuku, Wakiso District and running for three days, according to Watchdog Uganda. The gathering was organised under the African Dragon Boat Federation and brought together teams from Uganda, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa, alongside guests from Singapore and Hong Kong.

Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy Press Secretary Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, whose remarks were delivered by State House official Jimmy Nambiro, used the occasion to praise China-Africa relations and describe sport as a tool for building people-to-people connections, tourism and investment. He conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni and said the government supports the growth of dragon boat racing in Uganda.

The federation’s leaders said the competition was meant to promote unity, showcase African sporting talent and strengthen international friendship. ADBF President Ehab Gouda said Uganda could become a future hub for dragon boat activity on the continent, while secretary general Mary Lai welcomed the event as a way to deepen China-Africa links. The report also highlighted comments from participants who said they had trained for weeks and were pleased to take part.

Beyond the sporting contest, the event was presented as part of wider efforts to promote Uganda’s tourism appeal and investment potential. General background: dragon boat racing is a paddling sport with roots in China, and it is often used in cultural and sporting exchanges, but the article’s main focus was on its role in diplomacy and destination marketing.