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.
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