A President’s Vision: From Swimmer to Leader……
The calm waters of Lake Victoria shimmer under the morning sun as President Solomon Muwonge watches a team of young athletes paddle their dragon boat toward the horizon. For Muwonge, this sight is the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“I was a swimmer first, then a boat rider, and now I lead this federation,” he reflects. “Our vision is clear—to own more dragon boats and compete internationally. Uganda has the water, the talent, and the passion. We just need the tools.”
His inspiration came from Uganda’s vast water bodies and the untapped potential of its fishermen. Today, the federation scouts athletes from landing sites, schools, and local events. “We’ve brought 70 women into the sport and are training children as young as 14,” Muwonge adds proudly.
The Secretary General’s Reality Check
In a modest office lined with trophies and boat blueprints, Secretary General Deo Lukyamuzi leans forward, his voice tinged with determination and frustration. “This sport is as old as Uganda, but its modern form is still young,” he says.
Since its official recognition in 2018, the federation has faced uphill battles:
Costly Equipment: “A single kayak costs UGX 20 million. A dragon boat? UGX 75 million. To host a competition, we need 12 kayaks or 9 dragon boats—where does that money come from?”
Awareness Gap: “People don’t know this sport exists. We’re competing with football and fishing for attention.”
International Barriers: “Imagine sending 30 athletes to Europe. The cost is crippling. But we’re working on partnerships to change that.”
Yet, Lukyamuzi remains optimistic. “We’re building boats for Kenya and training Rwanda and Tanzania. Uganda can be the hub of this sport in Africa.”
Tackling Challenges Head-On
When asked about the National Council of Sports’ rule requiring sports to cover 70% of the country, Muwonge chuckles. “Water doesn’t cover 70% of Uganda, but our sport only needs water. We’re not scared—we’re strategic.”
For Lukyamuzi, mindset shifts are critical. “Fishermen see this as a side hustle, not a career. But with the right training, they could represent Uganda globally. Look at their physiques—they’re born for this!”
Hope on the Horizon
The federation’s four-year plan focuses on:
Regional Dominance: Hosting annual competitions to showcase talent.
Global Partnerships: Sending athletes to Austria for training, with coaches from Denmark and potential collaborations with China.
Grassroots Growth: Expanding school programs and women’s participation.
“By 2031 in the next competitions uganda won’t be in position to host but from 2033 and fourth,we want Uganda to host international events,” Lukyamuzi declares. “And yes, we’ll pay our athletes one day.”
The Road Ahead
This September, the federation will launch a dragon boat festival with Uganda’s Chinese community to raise funds. “This sport isn’t just about racing,” Muwonge says. “It’s about putting Uganda on the map.”
As the sun sets over the water, the rhythmic splash of paddles echoes—a sound of progress, one stroke at a time
