Reagan Michael Nsubuga upset top seed Muzafaru Lubega in a gripping men’s singles final as the City Tyres East Africa Badminton Challenge 2026 served up five days of drama, emerging talent and a timely reminder that Uganda’s growing badminton community needs more playing space.

Nsubuga, seeded second, recovered from Lubega’s emphatic response in the second set to win the decider 22-20 at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday, October 18. The 21-15, 9-21, 22-20 victory denied Lubega a successful title defence and delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

Lubega had been expected to retain the title after winning it last year, but Nsubuga kept his composure when the contest reached its decisive moments. At 20-19 in the third set, Lubega fought back to level at 20-20, only for Nsubuga to find the two points needed to seal the championship.

Nsubuga’s success extended beyond singles. Partnering Wasswa Samuel, he also won the professional men’s doubles title, beating Joshua Ekochu and Tendo Mukalazi. Lubega, meanwhile, salvaged a title by teaming up with Gladys Mbabazi to win the professional mixed doubles.

Nalumansi holds firm

Kruthum Nalumansi also had reason to celebrate, retaining the professional women’s singles crown after beating Tracy Naluwooza 21-4, 21-19.

Nalumansi dominated the opening set before resisting a stronger challenge in the second to confirm her status as the tournament’s leading women’s singles player.

“I am happy to have defended my crown. I won it last year too,” Nalumansi said, as reported by Kawowo Sports.

Her victory came amid a tournament that showcased competition across professional, school, university, veterans, coaches, corporate and international categories.

Juniors make their mark

The junior events provided another major highlight, with young players displaying composure and tactical awareness beyond their years.

Mariam Namutebi of Mbogo High School won the under-19 girls’ singles, while Eric Ofoyuru of Seroma Christian High School took the boys’ title. In the under-15 events, Divine Mwesigwa won the girls’ singles and Mushiraf Bashir claimed the boys’ crown.

The under-13 titles went to Blessing Agatesi in the girls’ category and Sofia Nsubuga in the boys’ event. Caroline Namwanja won the under-10 girls’ singles, while Aksam Nsubuga topped the boys’ category.

Ndejje University won the university team competition, while Kibuli Secondary School and Mbogo High School claimed the boys’ and girls’ school team titles respectively. Ten junior players were also named Rising Stars, five boys and five girls.

Space becomes the challenge

The growth in participation has, however, placed pressure on the tournament’s facilities and schedule.

Organisers say a larger venue with at least six courts would help accommodate the rising number of players and allow the competition to run more efficiently. Without additional courts, extending the tournament to a full week is another option.

The challenge brought together Ugandan professionals, school and university players, coaches, veterans, corporate teams and Indian and Chinese nationals, making court availability increasingly important to its future growth.

Organisers thanked sponsors Mandela Group of Companies for their support, expressing hope that the partnership would continue to lift badminton to another level.

Uganda also won the National Challenge category ahead of India, adding a team success to a tournament headlined by Nsubuga’s upset and Nalumansi’s successful defence.

THE TALKING POINT

Court Crunch. The City Tyres East Africa Badminton Challenge showcased depth across junior, professional, university and veterans’ events, but its growth is bringing a practical problem into focus. An arena with at least six courts could ease scheduling pressure, while extending the tournament to a full week offers an alternative if suitable facilities remain limited.

WINNERS - PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Men’s singles: Reagan Michael Nsubuga

Women’s singles: Kruthum Nalumansi

Men’s doubles: Reagan Michael Nsubuga/Wasswa Samuel

Women’s doubles: Gladys Mbabazi/Meble Namakoye

Mixed doubles: Muzafaru Lubega/Gladys Mbabazi

WINNERS - JUNIOR SINGLES

Under-10 boys: Aksam Nsubuga

Under-10 girls: Caroline Namwanja

Under-13 boys: Sofian Nsubuga

Under-13 girls: Blessing Agatesi

Under-15 boys: Mushiraf Bashir

Under-15 girls: Divine Mwesigwa

Under-19 boys: Eric Ofoyuru

Under-19 girls: Mariam Namutebi

SCHOOLS TEAM EVENTS

Winners

Boys: Kibuli Secondary School

Girls: Mbogo High School

UNIVERSITY TEAM EVENT

Winners: Ndejje University

NATIONAL CHALLENGE

1. Uganda

2. India

CORPORATE TEAM EVENT

1. SR Kuku

2. City Tyres

RISING STARS

Boys: Subuhan Raja Azlan, Ethan Ofoyuru, Raheem Abdur, Rharzeen Mauhoub, Getenet Kian.

Girls: Bethel Namugerwa, Kirabo Nissi Praise, Mirembe Najja, Subrah Muwonge, Ubayah Juma Nankanjja.