Entebbe Chinese dragon boat race brings cultures together
If you happened to be near the Entebbe waterfront recently, you may have seen a fully dressed Chinese grandfather hurl himself into Lake Victoria with the joy of a football fan whose team has just won the World Cup.
It was not madness. It was the Dragon Boat Festival, and grandpa’s team had just crossed the finish line first. Now in its second year, the event co-hosted by the Chinese community in Uganda and the ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, was all splashes, drumming and joyful chaos.
Eight teams lined up in long, dragon-shaped boats, each crammed with 20 paddlers, their oars flashing in unison to the beat of a single booming drum. A gentle breeze rolled across the waters of Lake Victoria as the sound of traditional drumming echoed into the distance, setting the rhythm for paddlers poised at the start line, all floating on a shared current of excitement, culture and camaraderie.
At a glance, it looked like a colourful competition: matching jerseys clung tightly to sun-warmed skin under life jackets, and each boat had its own drummer whose tempo controlled the pace.
The faster the beat, the faster the strokes. But beneath the surface, a deeper story was unfolding; one of cultural fusion, unity and mutual respect.
FROM BEIJING TO BUKASA: ONE RHYTHM, ONE RACE
Held in celebration of the traditional Chinese Duanwu festival, the event saw locals and Chinese expats unite not in boardrooms or embassies, but in boats. The goal? Paddle in sync and reach the finish line… ideally without crashing into turtles (more on that later).
“This event is significant in many ways,” said Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, acknowledging the two months of meticulous preparation by the Chinese community.
“It has demonstrated respect, unity and the spirit of the Global Civilization Initiative.”
Indeed, as Ugandans and Chinese citizens paddled side by side, there was no room for hierarchy or division.
“Once you join these races,” he added, “you are on the same team. And only by working as one can you reach your destination properly.”
The symbolism could not be clearer. In a time when diplomacy often happens behind closed doors, here it unfolded under an open sky with laughter, sweat and splashing oars on Uganda’s largest lake.
NATURE’S STAGE (AND HER MOOD SWINGS)
The teamwork was on full display and so was Uganda’s natural charm. A group of curious turtles swam by just as the first race began, causing a slight delay and bursts of laughter as spectators leaned over the rails to snap photos.
Then, the weather decided to put on a show of its own. Thick rain clouds gathered quickly, as if summoned, the wind picked up, drums grew louder as traditional dancers raised their voices like in ritual.
Chinese guests, amused and startled, opened their umbrellas almost in unison, a choreographed gesture they had not rehearsed. Then, just as the second race kicked off, the clouds vanished, the sun reemerged, and the lake sparkled again.
“It’s like all four seasons in one hour,” quipped a Chinese visitor beneath a yellow parasol.
GRANDPA TAKES THE PLUNGE
The most unforgettable sight of the day came when a Chinese grandfather, overcome with joy after his team won a close race, flung himself into the lake near the shore in celebration, fully clothed and all smiles.
“He just jumped in!” someone shouted from the shore. Gasps turned to cheers. The old man swam to shore beaming, water dripping from his buttoned shirt and phone case swinging from his neck.
A TASTE OF TWO WORLDS
As teams rested between races, the festival turned into a picnic of sorts; a fusion of cultures on the plate as much as in the boats. There were Ugandan staples: pilau, matooke, beef stew, all warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Beside them stood tables of Chinese cuisine: bean sprouts tossed in sesame oil, various noodle bowls, and the standout favourite, a chapati rolled with mushrooms and onions, which disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.
“I wanted to try that chapati,” laughed one Ugandan guest, “but it vanished. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one curious.”
And then there was the unmistakable scent of tobacco curling through the air. “It’s not a Chinese gathering without cigarettes,” one elderly Chinese guest joked as he lit up, watching the next team line up.
FROM TOURISTS TO TEAMMATES
Beyond the spectacle, the event also served as a subtle showcase of Lake Victoria’s tourism potential. Local operators like Nyange Tours offered visitors a “3D moment” – a boat ride led by two small-scale fishermen who shared stories of the lake, fishing lore and island myths, all for just Shs 50,000.
“We want more people to see the beauty we see every day,” said one of the guides. “And today, the lake was smiling.”
Organizers emphasized that the festival was not just about sport, it was also about creating bridges.
“We hope to welcome more international visitors,” said a Tourism ministry official. “This lake, our culture and this energy…it’s something the world should feel.”
BOATS AS BRIDGES
Dragon boat racing has roots dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China. It commemorates the poet and patriot Qu Yuan, and was traditionally believed to ward off misfortune during flood seasons.
Today, it is a global sport but in Entebbe, it felt like something more: a modern-day metaphor for shared goals and synchronized spirit. By day’s end, medals were handed out, group photos taken, and paddlers massaged their sore arms with pride.
“Last time I took a medal, this time I’m taking a trophy and that money,” said Denis, a 22-year-old university student who paddled for the first time.
“But I’d do it again. I even made a friend from Guangzhou!”
ashleymwesigye@gmail.com
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