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BUWAMA, UGANDA — Final preparations for the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta (Empaka za Amaato ga Kabaka) have hit their absolute peak at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, ahead of the grand finale set for Saturday, August 22, 2026.
On Friday, Buganda Kingdom Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts, Oweek. Salongo Robert Sserwanga, led a final high-level delegation to inspect the waterfront venue, check on the standardized racing canoes, and review operational readiness alongside event organizers and security commanders.
The site visit coincided with the arrival of athletes representing all 18 Masaza (counties) of Buganda. The oarsmen and paddlers spent the entire day undergoing technical briefings, water trials, and final practice sessions on Lake Victoria under the supervision of Uganda Rowing Federation head coach Batenga Nakisozi.
With technical crews, racing teams, and commercial vendors fully deployed, Bunjako Beach is completely locked down and ready to host tens of thousands of spectators from across the country.
Who are the key dignitaries expected at the 2026 Buganda Royal Regatta?
Saturday’s grand finale will draw top government officials, cultural leaders, and international diplomats to the shores of Buwama. The event will be officially hosted by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, alongside Buganda Cabinet ministers and clan heads (Abatakka). Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja is also expected to lead a senior central government delegation to the celebrations.
Anticipation remains exceptionally high across Buganda Kingdom following strong indications that His Majesty King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II may grace the occasion to hand over trophies to the winning county teams.
How are security teams and the Kabaka’s Protection Unit securing Bunjako Beach?
Given the massive crowd turnout expected along Masaka Road and the presence of high-profile dignitaries, security protocol has been elevated to maximum alert.
The security sweep at Bunjako Beach was jointly conducted by the Kabaka’s Protection Unit (KPU), led by Afande Nassimbwa, alongside the Police Regional Commander and event Safety and Security Head Joseph Collins Ssemanda.
Security teams executed thorough land and water patrols, established dedicated VIP and public parking zones for over 1,000 vehicles, and streamlined multiple entry points to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth crowd movement throughout the day.
What prizes can fans win in the Bunjako Beach treasure hunt?
To guarantee complete transparency and build public confidence, event organizers publicly displayed the entire pool of spectator prizes directly on site at Bunjako Beach on Friday.
The prize showcase features brand-new Boda Boda motorcycles, smartphones, watches, and original English Premier League jerseys. According to the local organizing committee, the first 100 fans through the gates on Saturday morning will receive special entry coupons granting them direct access to participate in a high-stakes Beach Treasure Hunt, searching for hidden winning tickets buried in the sand.
Gate entry has been set at an affordable UGX 10,000, with organizers guaranteeing well-regulated food courts serving affordable meals and cold drinks all day long.
What is the official schedule and entertainment lineup for Saturday?
Local Organizing Committee Chairperson Eng. Ben Immanuel Misagga assured revellers that gates will open as early as 7:00 AM, with non-stop cultural and musical entertainment running alongside the aquatic races. The 18 counties will battle through intense half-mile sprints and 1,400-meter endurance races, featuring top qualifying teams such as semi-final champions Bugerere, alongside Mawogola, Kabula, Mawokota, and Busiro.
The festival will climax at 5:00 PM with a live headline performance by Uganda’s legendary Afrigo Band, bringing the 2026 Coronation Regatta to a grand, memorable close.
