Mawokota Crown Historic 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta at Bunjako Beach
Mawokota produced a commanding performance on home soil to win the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta, turning Bunjako Beach into a scene of celebration as thousands of revellers gathered for a day that combined competitive sport, culture and entertainment.
The hosts topped the overall Masaza standings with 48 points, securing the championship ahead of Buweekula, who finished second, while Bulemezi completed the podium in third.
Mawokota’s victory was rewarded with a bull and UGX 1 million, while Buweekula received a goat and UGX 500,000. Bulemezi took home UGX 300,000.
Bululi finished fourth with 33 points, followed by Kabula on 32. Kooki and Mawogola shared sixth place with 23 points each, while Kyadondo was eighth on 20 points and Kyagwe ninth with 19.
Buddu and Butambala tied for 10th with 17 points, followed by Gomba on 16, Bugerere on 15, Busujju on 13, and Busuma and Busiro on 12 points each. Ssese collected 11 points, while Ssingo finished 18th with three points.
All 18 Masaza received participation fees, underlining the inclusive nature of the competition.
She Rowers dominate women’s traditional rowing
The women’s traditional rowing competition added another layer of excitement, with She Rowers of Mawokota taking the top prize.
Busiro’s BusiroWinner finished second, while Bunjako Sailors, also representing Mawokota, claimed third place.
The event also featured the Uganda Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational, presented by The North Green School (TNGS).
Maroons Aqua Sports Club’s Elijah Namunyu won the CM1x category in a personal best time of 2:32.31, while 14 year old Grace Kyomuhendo of UPDF Rowing Club triumphed in the CJW1x category in 4:15.97.
Treasure hunt adds excitement
Away from the water, the treasure hunt became one of the day’s biggest attractions, with participants battling for an assortment of prizes including motorcycles, smartphones, smart watches, watches and player version jerseys of Manchester United and Arsenal.
The motorcycle winner was reportedly overwhelmed with excitement after securing the coveted prize, creating one of the day’s most memorable moments as Katikkiro’s security team stepped in to manage the celebrations.
A day of sport, culture and tradition
The Royal Regatta and the rowing activities organised through The North Green School ran concurrently, giving spectators a packed programme of water sports.
The cultural dimension of the event was equally prominent. Jajja Gabunga performed rituals on the water for the Mamba Clan to undertake its Empingu duties before the Katikkiro officially flagged off the races.
Speaking during the event, Royal Regatta Chairman Eng. Ben Misagga thanked the Buganda Kingdom for its support and pledged to make future editions bigger and better.
Oweek. Salongo Robert Sserwanga also thanked the organising team and promised more activities around the event.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who handed over prizes to the winners, emphasised the responsibility of clans in protecting and developing Buganda’s relationship with its waters. He highlighted the connection between his clan and Misagga’s clan, Omutima Omuyanja, noting their silent responsibility on the water alongside the Mamba Clan.
Mayiga also recognised Lwanga Robert of Bunjako Beach for his contribution and called upon the people of Buganda to continue developing the Kingdom.
With Mawokota lifting the overall trophy on home soil, the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta successfully blended sport, culture, tradition and entertainment, creating what organisers described as an exciting and historic day at Bunjako Beach.
For Mawokota, however, the memories will last even longer: the hosts did not just stage the Regatta they won it.
