History made as Mawokota wins 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta at Bunjako Beach
David GOMBE
Saturday 22nd August 2026 will go down in history as Mawokota County emerged overall champions of the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta held at Bunjako Beach in Mpigi District.
Hosting county Mawokota, Buweekula and Bulemezi took the top three spots in a colourful event that combined culture, sports and entertainment, and was graced by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Oweek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
Mawokota dominated the waters, amassing 48 points to be crowned champions. They walked away with a Bull and UGX 1,000,000 cash prize.
Buweekula finished second and took home a Goat + UGX 500,000, while Bulemeezi came third to pocket UGX 300,000*.
All 18 Masazas participated and each received a participation fee.
Full Overall Masaza Rankings:
1. Mawokota – 48 Pts – Champion
2. Buweekula – 2nd
3. Bulemezi – 3rd
4. Bululi – 33 Pts
5. Kabula – 32 Pts
6. Kooki & Mawogola – 23 Pts each
7. Kyadondo – 20 Pts
8. Kyagwe – 19 Pts
9. Buddu & Butambala – 17 Pts each
10. Gomba – 16 Pts
11. Bugerere – 15 Pts
12. Busujju – 13 Pts
13. Busiro & Busuma – 12 Pts each
14. Ssese – 11 Pts
15. Ssingo – 3 Pts
In the Women’s Traditional Rowing category, She Rowers of Mawokota emerged winners, followed by BusiroWinner (Busiro) in second and Bunjako Sailors (Mawokota) in third.
The Uganda Rowing Beach Sprint Invitational presented by The North Green School (TNGS) also produced fireworks:
– CM1x Winner:Elijah Namunyu (Maroons Aqua Sports Club) – 2:32.31 PB
– CJW1x Winner: Grace Kyomuhendo (14), UPDF Rowing Club – 4:15.97
The day was more than just rowing. Revellers started arriving as early as 7:00 AM, with races starting at 8:00 AM over 1000m & 500m. Rowing (North Green School) and the Royal Regatta happened concurrently.
Before the races, Jajja Gabunga performed traditional rituals on the water for the Mamba Clan to do Empingu duties, after which the Katikkiro officially flagged off the races.
The Treasure Hunt was a major highlight, with winners walking away with motorcycles, smartphones, smart watches, watches, and Man U & Arsenal player-version jerseys. One motorcycle winner was so overjoyed he almost ran mad and had to be managed by the Katikkiro’s security.
In his speech, Regatta Chairman Eng. Ben Misagga thanked the Kingdom and pledged bigger and better regattas in the future.
Oweek. Salongo Robert Sserwanga thanked the organizing team and pledged more activities to develop the sport.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga handed over prizes, reminded revellers that his clan and Misagga’s clan Omutima Omuyanja have a silent responsibility on water just like the Mamba Clan, thanked Lwanga Robert of Bunjako Beach for hosting, and urged all Baganda to develop the Kingdom.
The historic day was closed by legendary Afrigo Band followed by free-style dancing on the beach sand.