Sports 22 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kibuli SS Eyes City Tyres Badminton Crown as Tournament Returns
Kibuli Secondary School, led by captain Akbar Oduka, is aiming to reclaim the City Tyres East Africa Badminton Challenge title. The tournament, set to feature over 120 players, will take place at Lugogo Indoor Arena from October 14-18. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/kibuli-ss-target-coveted-city-tyres-badminton-crown-5604286
Kibuli Secondary School is gearing up to compete for the prestigious City Tyres East Africa Badminton Challenge title. Captain Akbar Oduka has expressed his team’s determination to secure the championship when the five-day event commences on October 14 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The school team plans intensive training sessions leading up to the tournament, anticipating strong competition from participants across the East African region. This year’s edition, sponsored by Linglong Tyres, is expected to draw more than 120 players across various categories, including school, university, senior, veteran, corporate, and new Indian and Chinese divisions.
Veteran Kibuli player Mable Namakoye, who finished as runner-up in the women’s singles last year and won the mixed doubles, is also targeting a strong performance. She highlighted the significant role badminton has played in her life, aiding her studies and personal development, and expressed gratitude to City Tyres for their sustained sponsorship.
Although Africa’s top player Fadhila Shamika will be absent due to international commitments, her past participation underscores the tournament’s importance. Shamika emphasized that the challenge provides a vital platform for young Ugandan players to gain experience, develop their potential, and ultimately elevate the country’s standing in international badminton.
Uganda Badminton CEO Simon Mugabi noted the expansion of this year’s event to five days, consolidating all categories, including corporate matches, into a single, comprehensive tournament. The Indian Association of Uganda and Linglong Tyres are also supporting the event, with City Tyres providing over 100 trophies and tournament attire. The tournament has been instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering skills, discipline, and sportsmanship among participants over its nine-year history.