The second day of the Kabaka’s Coronation Badminton Tournament served up more thrilling action at the CFK Badminton Academy in Kisaasi, with players across all age categories battling for honours as the competition gathered momentum.
The day’s proceedings were highlighted by a visit from Robert Sserwanga, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth, Sports and Arts, who officially opened the tournament and commended the growing partnership between the Buganda Kingdom and Badminton Uganda.
Addressing players, officials and spectators, Sserwanga praised the impressive turnout for the second edition of the championship, noting that the tournament has become an important platform for promoting badminton across the country.
“Today we partner with Badminton Uganda to give an opportunity to all badminton players in Uganda to come and enjoy the beautiful game of badminton,” he said.
Although pleased with the participation, the minister encouraged even more clubs and teams to take part in future editions, emphasizing that the tournament caters for players of every generation.
“We have competitions from the Under-10s, Under-13s, Under-15s and Under-19s. We also have professional players, seniors aged between 35 and 50 years, and veterans from 50 to 70 years. I call upon all lovers of badminton not to miss the next edition,” Sserwanga said.
He added that the involvement of corporate partners continues to strengthen the event, making it one of the Kingdom’s flagship sporting celebrations during the three-day commemoration of the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of Kabaka Ronald MuwendaMutebi II.
“May the best team win. Sabasajja Kabaka Awangale,” he concluded.
The tournament, organised through a partnership between Buganda Kingdom and Badminton Uganda, has attracted competitors from across Uganda, with matches being played simultaneously in junior, senior and veteran categories.
Badminton Uganda president Annet Nakamya welcomed the minister’s visit, describing it as a significant boost for the sport and the federation.
“Today marks the second day of the badminton tournament commemorating the coronation of our King, Ronald MuwendaMutebi, who has been on the throne for the last 33 years,” Nakamya said.
“We are really grateful for the opportunity of him coming through despite his busy schedule. For us, it gives us the confidence that we are part of the Kingdom and that we have the Kingdom’s blessing, which reassures us that we are doing the right thing.”
Nakamya also hailed the growth of the competition, saying the increased participation in only its second edition demonstrates the rising popularity of badminton in Uganda.
“We had a big turnout for the second edition, and we are hopeful that we shall continue to be given this opportunity to organise the tournament. We also look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Buganda Kingdom in the years ahead.”
With competitive matches continuing throughout the day, players remained focused on booking places in the decisive stages of the tournament as the celebration of the Kabaka’s 33-year reign continued through sport, unity and community engagement.