CHINA-AFRICA TIES HAILED AS UGANDA HOSTS INAUGURAL AFRICAN DRAGON BOAT RACING COMPETITION

The Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation and Deputy
Press Secretary to H.E the President, Alhaji Faruk Kirunda, has
commended the longstanding relationship between China and Africa,
describing sport as an important avenue for strengthening people-to-people
ties, tourism and investment.

Alhaji Kirunda made the remarks today while officiating at Uganda’s first-
ever African Dragon Boat Racing competition held on Lake Victoria in
Kawuku, Wakiso District.

The event organised under the African Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF), is
running for three days.

His keynote address was delivered on his behalf by the Private Secretary in
charge of Education and Skilling at State House, Mr Jimmy Nambiro.

Alhaji Kirunda conveyed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s greetings to
the participants and organisers, while expressing gratitude to China and the
participating countries for supporting the event.

“He sends regards to you all,” he said.
He also noted that the competition was particularly significant as Africa and
China mark 70 years of people-to-people friendship, urging both sides to
sustain the relationship and use sporting events to deepen cooperation.

“We celebrate 70 years when Africa is enjoying good relations with China,
and that is something that we must uphold,” he said.
Alhaji Kirunda described the dragon boat competition as an important
platform for countries to meet, collaborate and explore opportunities
beyond sport.

“This competition is very good. This is an opportunity for us to meet and
collaborate and do many things together,” he said.

He also linked the competition to Uganda’s tourism potential, noting that
international sporting events can attract visitors and showcase the
country’s natural attractions.

“You cannot separate sports from tourism because many people have
come here to witness this sport, and that also serves as tourism,” he said.
He said Uganda has numerous other tourist attractions that visitors can
explore while in the country.

Alhaji Kirunda assured the organisers of the Government’s commitment to
supporting the continued development of dragon boat racing in Uganda.
“We pledge that the Government of Uganda is ready to support this
federation,” he said.

He also encouraged tourists to visit Uganda, saying the country is a safe,
friendly and welcoming destination.
“Uganda is a friendly and welcoming country. Please feel free to come and
enjoy anytime,” he said.

The Special Presidential Assistant further described Uganda as an
attractive destination for investment, including in the sports sector, saying
events such as the dragon boat competition can create opportunities for
both tourism and business.

“Uganda is still a vast destination for investments in many fields such as
sports. This event is an avenue for people to come and visit, enjoy and also
invest,” he said.

He also highlighted the inclusive nature of dragon boat racing, noting that
the sport can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate.
“This is a good game because even people who are physically challenged
can take part,” he said.

Uganda hosts historic dragon boat competition:
The competition brought together teams from Uganda, Egypt, Kenya and
South Africa as well as special guests from Singapore and Hong Kong as
part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of China-Africa people-to-
people friendship.

ADBF President, Mr. Ehab Gouda from Egypt said the competition was
designed to foster unity through sports while showcasing African sporting
talent and promoting tourism and international friendship.

“The event gives us an opportunity to foster unity through this exhilarating
sport, while promoting tourism and camaraderie among participating
countries,” he said.

Mr. Gouda said Uganda was also being considered as a potential future
hub for dragon boat activities on the African continent.

He said the sport could help promote Uganda as a tourism destination by
giving international participants an opportunity to experience the country’s
natural beauty and attractions.

He also thanked President Museveni and the Ugandan Government for
welcoming the federation and supporting the organisation of the
competition.

ADBF Secretary General, Ms. Mary Lai said the federation was excited to
introduce the event to Uganda.

“We are very happy to be here. We have brought dragon boat competition
to Uganda,” she said.

Ms. Lai said holding the competition as part of the 70th anniversary
celebrations would strengthen people-to-people links between China and
Africa through the sport.

Participants from the different countries expressed excitement about taking
part in the inaugural competition.

Munir Hilmi, captain of the Egyptian dragon boat team, said it was his first
visit to Uganda and thanked the organisers for the reception.

“This is my first time coming to Uganda. I am very happy to come here. I
appreciate the organisers,” he said.

South African paddlers Idries Meyer and Ibrahim Abrahams also expressed
appreciation for the opportunity to participate, saying their team had
travelled to Uganda to celebrate China-Africa friendship through sport.

Kenyan representative Fredrick Ominde said his team had spent two
months preparing for the competition.

“We have been training for this event for the last two months. I thank the
organisers for organising this event and for the good reception,” Ominde
said.

The competition also attracted international officials, including Jason Chen,
the Chief Race Official from Singapore.

Chen said he was pleased to be part of the inaugural competition in
Uganda.

Ugandan representative Peter Lwanga of the Uganda Federation Dragon
Team said the local team had also undergone extensive preparations
ahead of the competition.

“We have been training for this event for the last two months and we have
been doing this for some good years,” Lwanga said.
He said the Ugandan team was optimistic that it will emerge victorious.