Overview:
With over 50 athletes representing clubs from across the nation, the National Sprint Series featured thrilling competition in various boat classes, including MK1, MK2, and WK1, across distances ranging from 200m to 1000m.
The calm waters of the Nile at Speke Camp Bujagali in Jinja city buzzed with excitement and cheers last weekend as the Uganda Canoe Federation (UCAF) hosted the much-anticipated second sprint series from Saturday, July 19th to Sunday, July 20th, 2025.
This event, a major highlight on Uganda’s canoe sprint calendar, brought together the country’s top paddlers for two days of intense racing, national rankings, and talent spotting.
With over 50 athletes representing clubs from across the nation, the National Sprint Series featured thrilling competition in various boat classes, including MK1, MK2, and WK1, across distances ranging from 200m to 1000m.
The calm but swift current of the Nile provided the ideal setting for this sprint event.
Pathway to International Success
The Sprint Series is not just about naming national champions; it plays a crucial role in Uganda’s long-term athlete development.
This year, it was especially important as it served as part of the selection and preparation for the 2025 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Milan, Italy, and ultimately for the qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Shafiq Mukubira, UCAF’s National Sprint Coach, highlighted the significance of the series:
This is where we build our Olympic dream. The performances we’ve seen this weekend reflect the hard work of our athletes and clubs. We’re spotting future Olympians.
Shafiq Mukubira, Uganda Canoe Federation (UCAF) National Sprint Coach
Athlete Highlights
One standout performance was by Musa Bangire, who excelled in the men’s K1 200m and 500m sprints with impressive speed and consistency.
In the women’s division, Rebecca Nakibuule of Namasagali Canoe Club made an impact with a strong finish in the K1 500m final, marking her return to top form.
Young paddlers from emerging clubs like Jinja Paddling Academy and Whitesand Youth Kayakers also displayed great potential, enhancing Uganda’s sprinting talent pool.
The mix of experienced athletes and rising stars made the weekend a celebration of the future of canoeing in Uganda.
Organizational Excellence
The Uganda Canoe Federation organized the event seamlessly under the leadership of Secretary General Isima, with technical support from certified national judges led by Abdul Razaq Mataaka and volunteers.
Safety, timing, and fairness were maintained rigorously, ensuring a top-tier experience for all participants.
Namukasa Asha, Team Manager for the national sprint team, praised the teamwork and discipline of the athletes:
“We’re not just getting ready for one competitionwe’re building a high-performance culture that can thrive internationally.”
Next Stop: Training Camp and Milan 2025
With the National Sprint Series wrapped up, selected athletes will now enter a focused pre-World Championships training camp to sharpen their skills before heading to Milan in August 2025.
The federation is also finalizing logistics, including visa processing and travel plans for the Ugandan team.
Conclusion
The 2025 edition of the National Sprint Series has confirmed Uganda’s rising profile in sprint canoeing.
As paddlers made their strokes on the Nile at Bujagali in Jinja city, they also carved their names into the future of Ugandan sports.
UCAF is dedicated to developing talent, promoting water safety, and bringing Ugandan canoeing to the international stagestroke by stroke.
