Overview:
With this success, Florence, Martha, Musa, and Brian are now looking ahead to the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi, set for 29th October to 2nd November 2025.
The calm waters of the Victoria Nile were anything but still on Sunday, 20th July as Uganda’s top paddleboarders put on thrilling performances at the 2025’s 1st National Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Series.
The races started at Blue Nile River Camp and ended at Speke Camp Bujagali in Jinja city, showing off endurance, speed, courage and raw talent.
This event raised the bar for Uganda’s growing Stand Up Paddling community.
Namanda takes the crown
Florence Prossy Namanda emerged as the clear champion in the women’s category.
She amazed the crowd with her wins in both the Sprint Open Women (37.690 seconds) and the challenging 1000m Technical Open Women (4:50:23).
This double victory secured her the top spot in the national rankings and highlighted her unique skills in both fast sprints and strategic long-distance races.
Martha Biyinzika: The Junior to Watch
Right behind Florence is Martha Biyinzika, Uganda’s up-and-coming star and currently No. 2 in the women’s National SUP rankings.
Martha won gold in the Sprint Junior Women 100m with an impressive time of 36.490 seconds.
Her performance marks her as a future leader in the sport, especially after her recent participation in the 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany, and the 2025 Junior & U23 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Foix, France (ICF Story).
Musa Bangire and Brian Munyaneza dominate the men’s Field
In the men’s category, Musa Bangire led the way with a fantastic win in the Technical Open 1000m Men, finishing at 4:29.004 and taking the No. 1 national ranking.
Newcomer Brian Munyaneza, from the beautiful shores of Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale, raced to victory in the Sprint Open Men with a time of 36.560 seconds.
His effort set a new National Record and marked a strong entry into the elite SUP scene.
Backed by strong partnerships
The event received support from Jinja City, Mucho International Ltd, and Olympic Solidarity through the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC).
The Uganda Canoe Federation (UCAF) took the lead in organising the event.
Their combined efforts showed a shared commitment to developing paddle sports in Uganda.
Next Stop: Abu Dhabi
With this success, Florence Nakibuule, Martha Biyinzika, Musa Bangire, and Brian Munyaneza are now looking ahead to the 2025 ICF SUP World Championships in Abu Dhabi, set for 29th October to 2nd November 2025.
All four athletes have officially registered for this global competition, which will include sprint, technical, and long-distance events in the clear waters of Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Beach.
Uganda’s participation in this world-class event is not just a major achievement but also a celebration of local talent, resilience, and international goals.
“These athletes are the future of African paddleboarding,” said a UCAF official. “Their journey from the Nile to the world stage is truly inspiring.”
