The curtains came down on the Kabaka’s 33rd Coronation Badminton Tournament on Sunday after three days of thrilling competition that attracted more than 655 players from across Uganda, making it one of the country’s biggest badminton events.
The tournament, held from 17th to 19th July 2026 at the CFK Badminton Academy in Kisaasi, celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s coronation while showcasing the growth of badminton in Uganda.
The championship featured competition across numerous categories, from Under-10, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 age groups to professional, senior, veterans and corporate divisions, highlighting badminton’s appeal across all generations.
Tournament records show intense competition throughout the weekend, culminating in exciting finals on Sunday.
Among the standout performers was national team player Gladys Mbabazi, who successfully defended her titles after winning both the Professional Women’s Doubles and Professional Mixed Doubles events. Mbabazi partnered with Meble Namakoye to claim the women’s doubles crown before teaming up with Muzafaru Lubega to win the mixed doubles title.
True to a promise she had made before the tournament, Mbabazi expressed satisfaction after retaining her titles.
“I had promised you earlier on in the previous interview that I’ll be winning again in this year’s tournament like how I won last year, and I have delivered. I have won in the promised categories, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. That is because I have always been training and I’ve tried to stay fit all the time, which is very necessary.”
She added that her focus now shifts to future national team assignments.
“As a national team player, we have to sit with my coaches and my superiors and see the next tournaments that we’ll have to play. Of course, I have to continue training hard and staying fit.”
In the professional singles category, Muzafaru Lubega defeated Joshua Ekochu in straight sets to lift the men’s title, while Tracy Naluwoza overcame Olivia Nakajja to claim the women’s singles championship.
Bruno Agaba captured the Under-19 boys’ singles title after defeating Ryan Serwada in the final, while Vivian Nalule emerged champion in the Under-19 girls’ category after edging Ramiah Bukenya in a thrilling 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 tournament also featured strong performances from senior and veteran players. Kirabo Freddieh Kellys won the Seniors (35–50) Men’s Singles title, Gloria Catherine Najjuka claimed the Seniors Women’s Singles crown, while Godfrey Kivumbi and Annet Nakamya emerged champions in the Veterans Above 50 men’s and women’s singles categories respectively.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Owek. Noah Kiyimba, representing the Buganda Kingdom, praised the tournament’s success and its contribution to youth development.
He revealed that more than 655 athletes participated, with over 500 being young players, reflecting Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s commitment to empowering the youth through sport.
Kiyimba encouraged parents to support their children’s sporting talents, noting that many young badminton players have earned educational opportunities through sports scholarships.
He also highlighted badminton’s health benefits, describing it as a sport that engages the whole body and can be played by people of all ages.
“I want to thank the Uganda Badminton Association and the Buganda Kingdom Ministry of Sports for organising this tournament. They have pledged to organise it again next year, and we look forward to returning for another successful edition,” he said.
Beyond the medals and trophies, the 33rd edition of the Kabaka’s Coronation Badminton Tournament once again reinforced its reputation as one of Uganda’s premier badminton competitions, providing a platform for elite players, rising stars and recreational athletes to celebrate sport while honouring the Kabaka’s enduring legacy of promoting youth empowerment and healthy living.