800 players for Kabaka Coronation Badminton tourney

The second edition of the annual Kabaka Coronation Badminton Tournament gets underway today, July 17, at the CFK Badminton Academy Arena in Kisasi, with nearly 800 players expected to take part.

The three-day championship, being held to commemorate the 33rd Coronation Anniversary of the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, will climax on Sunday.

This year's tournament has been relocated from the Lugogo Indoor Arena to the CFK Badminton Academy Arena in Kisasi. According to Badminton Uganda CEO Simon Mugabi, the new venue is fully equipped to accommodate the large turnout.

"About 800 participants are expected to grace the event. We opened online registration, and the response has been overwhelming. However, we are well prepared to manage the competition using four courts," Mugabi said.

The competition will feature players in the U-10, U-13, U-15, and U-19 age categories, with participation open to both schools and individual entrants.

Senior professionals will compete in men's and women's singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles. Separate categories have also been created for corporate players, veterans aged 30–40 years, and those aged over 50.

Mugabi revealed that Badminton Uganda has allocated sh25 million towards organising the tournament.

"Badminton Uganda will spend about sh25 million on tournament logistics. Winners in the professional categories will receive cash prizes, while champions and runners-up in the other categories will be awarded trophies," he explained.

He added that the tournament will provide players across all categories with valuable competitive exposure ahead of upcoming national competitions.

The championship also serves as a consolation event for Ugandan badminton players who had hoped to compete at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where badminton was among the sports dropped from the programme.

The tournament was officially launched by the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Sports, Arts and Youth, Robert Serwanga Saalongo, accompanied by officials from Badminton Uganda and several players.

"Badminton is one of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi's favourite sports, and that is why he chose it to be part of his coronation celebrations. I wish all the players a successful and competitive tournament as they join His Majesty in celebrating this important occasion," Serwanga said