Mpigi — Uganda has emerged as the overall winner of the East Africa Regional Beach Sprint Rowing Championships, held from June 1–8 at Bunjako Beach in Mpigi District, clinching an impressive 13 medals, including 4 golds.
The regional regatta, which brought together rowers from across East and Southern Africa, saw Kenya finish second with 7 medals (4 gold, 3 silver), followed by Zimbabwe in third (2 gold), and Malawi, which secured a single bronze.
Uganda’s dominance was capped by Elijah Namunyu, who was named Outstanding Rower of the competition after posting the best average times across all events. Zimbabwean teenagers Tawananyasha Chakona and Tungamirai Chinhamo were recognised as the top junior athletes (U17) for their standout performances.
The championships marked a milestone in Uganda’s rowing journey, which began in earnest in 2017 through the Development of National Sports System (DNSS) program, spearheaded by Uganda Rowing Federation with support from the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and World Rowing.
Under the Sport Development pillar of DNSS, Uganda received vital equipment donations, including 6 indoor rowing machines, 30 pairs of oars, and 17 boats, helping build a foundation for both high-performance and grassroots engagement.
The 2025 championship week also included a Level 1 Coastal Rowing Coaching Course, enhancing technical skills and coaching capacity in the region.
“This championship is the culmination of years of investment in governance, performance, and development,” said the Uganda Olympic Committee. “We’re proud of Team Uganda’s achievement and of the broader impact this event has had on rowing in East Africa.”
As Uganda celebrates this landmark victory, stakeholders hope to build momentum and position the country as a regional hub for water sports, particularly rowing, on both the continental and international stage.
