Buddu are Buganda royal regatta champions

KAMPALA. Last year Buganda royal regatta competition left Masaka based team Buddu with a lot of frustration after finishing seventeenth in the whole race.

The competition in the waters was so heavy for them to carry on shoulders which prompted them, to focus on Masaza Cup football tourney.

But against all odds, Buddu won their maiden royal regatta championship on Saturday after moving past Bulemeezi, Gomba and Bugerere teams, in a highly competitive final graced by the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Mutebi II at Nabugabo sand beach in Masaka.

Led by the guide of Emamba clan, Kabaka, beaming with a lot of confidence was the first to move on water for eleven minutes in a highly tightened security both on land and at the sea shores.

Upon his return, he graced the boats competition at 3:46pm and all the eighteen counties that make up Buganda participated before Buddu won the finals.

“We are so happy that this year we managed to win the competition,” said Buddu County chief Vincent Mayiga over the victory.

Buganda sports minister Henry Ssekabembe said the boat competition was a unique sport with the ability to help people bridge communication gaps by building strong and supportive relationships.

“We are so happy that the competition has been so stiff and people managed to move from far to be with their Kabaka here at the finals,” said Ssekabembe.

Musa Ssengendo an official on the Buganda royal regatta organizing committee said the event was a success but appealed to teams; Kooki and Singo whose performance were below average to fight hard next year.

“Last year we didn’t organise this competition. We have been in Kyadondo County and Mulungu Landing site before but this year, Kabaka chose Buddu County and they have won the trophy,” Ssengendo, smiling ear to ear told Daily Monitor.

The Buganda royal regatta was revived in 2016 since the days of Sir Edward Frederick Mutebi II, to provide an opportunity for people in Buganda to get to know each other.