Uganda International Series gets underway at Lugogo
By Kayiira Jackson
The Uganda International Series got underway on Thursday at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala, with 115 players from 14 countries competing for valuable world ranking points.
The tournament, which runs until October 4, is serving as an important ranking event as players seek points towards qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 World Championships.
Day One was dedicated to the qualification stage, with eight players securing places in the main draw, which gets underway on Friday.
Uganda has entered 67 players for the tournament, making it the largest contingent in the competition.
In the men’s singles qualification, Uganda’s Fredrick Kadoli advanced with a comfortable 2-0 victory over compatriot Kotecha Harshil Hemal, winning 21-9, 21-8.
Malaysia’s Shenson Chia also booked his place after defeating Uganda’s Abu Althaf Ansari 2-0 (21-8, 21-8), while Uganda’s Rahim Nsubuga overcame Muhammad Amaar 2-0 (21-8, 21-13).
The main draw will feature round-of-32 matches in the men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories.
Among the selected men’s singles fixtures on Friday, Uganda’s Reagan Michael Nsubuga will face Malaysia’s Yu Sheng, while South Africa’s Caden Kakora takes on Uganda’s Ismail Mungufeni.
Algeria’s Adel Hamek will meet Uganda’s Shilton Tayebwa.
In the women’s singles, Uganda’s Meble Namakoye will face compatriot Rebecca Nakiyinji, while Algeria’s Yasmina Chibah takes on Uganda’s Dhruvi Sagar.
Uganda’s Olivia Nakajja will also be in action against Nigeria’s Khadijah Opeyemi.
With the qualification stage now complete, attention turns to the main draw as players from across Africa and beyond continue their pursuit of international ranking points at Lugogo.
Selected Day One Results
Men’s Singles – Qualification
Fredrick Kadoli (UGA) 2-0 Kotecha Harshil Hemal (UGA) — 21-9, 21-8
Shenson Chia (MAS) 2-0 Abu Althaf Ansari (UGA) — 21-8, 21-8
Rahim Nsubuga (UGA) 2-0 Muhammad Amaar — 21-8, 21-13
Bruno Agaba (UGA) 2-0 Rayan Mutesasira (UGA) — 21-16, 23-21
Selected Day Two Fixtures
Women’s Singles – Round of 32
Meble Namakoye (UGA) vs Rebecca Nakiyinji (UGA)
Yasmina Chibah (ALG) vs Dhruvi Sagar (UGA)
Olivia Nakajja (UGA) vs Khadijah Opeyemi (NIG)
Men’s Singles – Round of 32
Reagan Michael Nsubuga (UGA) vs Yu Sheng (MAS)
Caden Kakora (RSA) vs Ismail Mungufeni (UGA)
Adel Hamek (ALG) vs Shilton Tayebwa (UGA)