The curtains got here down on the Kabaka’s thirty third Coronation Badminton Tournament on Sunday after three days of thrilling competitors that attracted greater than 655 gamers from throughout Uganda, making it one of many nation’s greatest badminton occasions.
The match, held from seventeenth to nineteenth July 2026 on the CFK Badminton Academy in Kisaasi, celebrated the thirty third anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s coronation whereas showcasing the expansion of badminton in Uganda.
The championship featured competitors throughout quite a few classes, from Under-10, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 age teams to skilled, senior, veterans and company divisions, highlighting badminton’s enchantment throughout all generations.
Tournament data present intense competitors all through the weekend, culminating in thrilling finals on Sunday.
Among the standout performers was nationwide group participant Gladys Mbabazi, who efficiently defended her titles after successful each the Professional Women’s Doubles and Professional Mixed Doubles occasions. Mbabazi partnered with Meble Namakoye to assert the ladies’s doubles crown earlier than teaming up with Muzafaru Lubega to win the combined doubles title.
True to a promise she had made earlier than the match, Mbabazi expressed satisfaction after retaining her titles.
“I had promised you earlier on within the earlier interview that I’ll be successful once more on this yr’s match like how I gained final yr, and I’ve delivered. I’ve gained within the promised classes, girls’s doubles and combined doubles. That is as a result of I’ve all the time been coaching and I’ve tried to remain match on a regular basis, which may be very essential.”
She added that her focus now shifts to future nationwide group assignments.
“As a nationwide group participant, now we have to sit down with my coaches and my superiors and see the following tournaments that we’ll need to play. Of course, I’ve to proceed coaching arduous and staying match.”
In the skilled singles class, Muzafaru Lubega defeated Joshua Ekochu in straight units to raise the lads’s title, whereas Tracy Naluwoza overcame Olivia Nakajja to assert the ladies’s singles championship.
Bruno Agaba captured the Under-19 boys’ singles title after defeating Ryan Serwada within the remaining, whereas Vivian Nalule emerged champion within the Under-19 women’ class after edging Ramiah Bukenya in an exhilarating three-game contest.
Other junior champions included:
- Edward Owaruhanga – Under-15 Boys
- Abigail Mawanda – Under-15 Girls
- Sofian Nsubuga – Under-13 Boys
- Umaimah Nabasirye – Under-13 Girls and Under-10 Girls
- Aksam Nsubuga – Under-10 Boys
The match additionally featured robust performances from senior and veteran gamers. Kirabo Freddieh Kellys gained the Seniors (35–50) Men’s Singles title, Gloria Catherine Najjuka claimed the Seniors Women’s Singles crown, whereas Godfrey Kivumbi and Annet Nakamya emerged champions within the Veterans Above 50 males’s and girls’s singles classes respectively.
Speaking through the closing ceremony, Owek. Noah Kiyimba, representing the Buganda Kingdom, praised the match’s success and its contribution to youth improvement.
He revealed that greater than 655 athletes participated, with over 500 being younger gamers, reflecting Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s dedication to empowering the youth via sport.
Kiyimba inspired dad and mom to help their kids’s sporting skills, noting that many younger badminton gamers have earned instructional alternatives via sports activities scholarships.
He additionally highlighted badminton’s well being advantages, describing it as a sport that engages the entire physique and could be performed by individuals of all ages.
“I need to thank the Uganda Badminton Association and the Buganda Kingdom Ministry of Sports for organising this match. They have pledged to organise it once more subsequent yr, and we stay up for returning for one more profitable version,” he stated.
Beyond the medals and trophies, the thirty third version of the Kabaka’s Coronation Badminton Tournament as soon as once more strengthened its popularity as one among Uganda’s premier badminton competitions, offering a platform for elite gamers, rising stars and leisure athletes to have fun sport whereas honouring the Kabaka’s enduring legacy of selling youth empowerment and wholesome dwelling.
