Kampala Club celebrates Independence Day with sports tourney

October 8 marked the climax of a week-long sporting event organised by members of Kampala Club to mark Uganda's 62nd Independence.

The club chairman, Eliot Ainomugisha, commended the members for maintaining the tradition of the Independence Tournament, which began in 1974.

Speaking at the conclusion of the golden jubilee event, he highlighted the historical significance of the tournament, tracing it back to former Ugandan President Idi Amin, who, despite initial concerns, ultimately endorsed the event.

Ainomugisha recalled how, on October 9, 1974, Kampala Club members were playing tennis instead of attending the national independence celebrations at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium. This angered President Amin, who summoned the club leaders. However, upon hearing that they were celebrating independence through sports, Amin, himself a sports enthusiast, gave his blessing and later served as the chief guest at the awards ceremony.

Ainomugisha emphasized the club's vital role in national sports development, noting that families often bring their children, helping to spark interest in various sports.

"We have the best tennis courts in the country, and currently, professional players from around the world are competing in the ITF M25 and M15 tournaments at our well-maintained facilities. We also serve as the headquarters for squash in Uganda," he noted.

This year's Independence Tournament aligned with the national theme of promoting women's participation in sports. "Fifty percent of our tournament participants were women," Ainomugisha added.

He also mentioned that Kampala Club is the largest members' club in the region, offering national athletes access to train in sports like badminton and squash. National coaches are also welcomed to train at the club's facilities.

"However, our top priority is promoting health and socialization among our members," he added.

Club members enjoy themselves after the tournament

The event attracted 120 participants who competed in various sports, including lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming, squash, scrabble, mweso, darts, and walking.

Patience Musiime was particularly praised for competing in and winning seven disciplines. Former KAVC volleyball star Lilian Ssengooba, who finished second in mweso, encouraged more people to take up the game, noting its benefits in enhancing mathematical skills.

Centenary Bank Managing Director Fabian Kassi praised the club for prioritizing sports as a tool for promoting health. Other sponsors included the Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda Tennis Association, and others.

Winners of the 2024 Independence Tournament

Table Tennis-Men Singles:

1.  Hanmant Katkar

2.  Levi Zizinga

Women Singles:

1.  Patience Musiime

2.  Dorcas Mwanje

Squash – Men’s Singles:

1.  Timothy Kayondo

2.  William Byaruhanga

Women Singles:

Patience Musiime.

Darts-Men:

1.  Patrick Nkore

2.  Wilberforce Turyamubona.

Mweso – Unisex:

1.  Patrick Mutabwire

2.  Lillian Ssengooba.

Badminton – Men Singles:

1.  Levi Zizinga

2.  Aaron Tayebwa

Women Singles:

1.  Lydia Tusingwire

2.  Patience Musiime

Men’s Doubles:

1.  Timothy Lubanga/Levi Zizinga

2.  Aaron Tayebwa/ Ravikiran

Mixed Doubles:

1.  Aaron Tayebwa/ Patience Musiime

2.  Timothy Lubanga /Lydia Tusingwire

Scrabble – Men:

1.  Robert Mpagi

2.  Julius musiime

Women:

1.  Patience Musiime

2.  Reena Namugerwa

Chess – Unisex:

1.  Osmond Atwine

2.  Joe Nuwamanya.

Walking- Race: Men Below 50 yrs:

1.  Innocent Barigye

2.  James Senabulya

Men Above 50:

1.  Wilberforce Turyamubona

2.  Robert Mpagi

Women Below 50

1.  Janifer Okochi Kaggwa

2.  Juliet Kisitu

Women Above 50:

1.  Pamela Tumwiriza

2.  Dorcas Mwanje

Men Above 60:

Joe Nuwamanya

Women Above 60:

Jennifer Tugyende.

Lawn Tennis - Mixed Doubles:

1.  Timothy Lubanga / Mumtaz Kassam

2.  Simon Lwanjo/ Patience Musiime

Women Singles:

1.  Patience Musiime

2.  Maria Naigaga

Men above 60:

1.  James Tugyende

2.  David Kamukama

Women Doubles:

1.  Patience Musiime/Kate Kangwagye

2.  Maria Chibita/Sarah Kansiime

Men’s Doubles above 60:

1.  James Tugyende/Hon .Bamwanga

2.  Solomon Okecho/David Kamukama

Men’s Doubles below 60:

1.  Simon Lwanjo/Muyanja

2.  Martin/Osmond Atwine

Swimming - Men below 50:

1.  Victor Walusimbi

2.  Richard Kabuleta

Women Below 50:

1.  Sarah Kansiime

2.  Joanne Katushabe

Men Above 50:

1.  Joe Nuwamanya

2.  Mathias Nalyanya

Women Above 50:

1.  Patience Musiime

2.  Roselyn Kohairwe