Kasirye clinches Kinyara Sugar Squash title in thrilling rematch

Uganda’s top squash seed, Paul Kasirye, thrilled fans at Kampala Club on Saturday as he edged Kenyan rival James Dalidi to win the second edition of the Kinyara Sugar Invitation Squash Tournament.

The final was a tense repeat of the 2023 showdown, which Dalidi had won. This time, Kasirye, also known as “Kadoma”, held his nerve in a dramatic five-set battle. Leading 2-1, Kasirye faltered under pressure, allowing Dalidi to level the match. But in a gripping final set that stretched to 14-12, Kasirye dug deep to claim victory and lift the trophy, along with a cash prize of  sh1.2 million.

“He was a tough and strong opponent as usual,” Kasirye said. “We’ve faced each other in several finals in Kenya and here. He’s the defending champion and a very strong player, so I had to train a lot to match him.”

Winners in the diferent categories of the 2025 Kinyara Suga Invitational Squashg tournament with trophies at Kampala Club. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Kasirye added that the win has boosted his confidence ahead of the All-Africa Senior Championships, set to take place in Kampala this November.

Dalidi, a World Squash Federation Level 2 coach and winner of the 2023 edition, praised Kasirye’s performance and expressed his delight at the growth of squash in Uganda.

“I’m happy to be back in Kampala for this tournament. Kasirye was the better player today,” Dalidi said. “I coached him and his colleagues over 10 years ago, and it’s great to see Uganda developing talented junior players. I’m ready to come and coach them.”

Dalidi’s wife, Jane Njeri, also impressed, defeating Elizabeth Musimenta 3-0 to claim her own UGX 1.2 million prize. Dalidi and Musimenta each received UGX 800,000, while other winners shared in the UGX 30 million prize pool sponsored by Kinyara Sugar.

The tournament drew 80 players over two days, with every participant receiving sugar as a token of appreciation from the sponsor.

Kinyara Sugar marketing manager Sekhar Veedhi, USRA chairman John Bosco Ahimbisibwe, Kampala Club chairman David Kamukama, and MP Abdu Katuntu were on hand to present accolades to the winners.

Veedhi commended USRA for including junior players in the event and pledged an even bigger package next year.

“You need to include age categories for juniors as a way of expanding the game. We thank the foreign players who graced the event,” he said.

Kinyara Sugar Squash Top Winners

Men:

Paul Kasirye (Uga) bt James Dalidi (Ken) 3-1

Women:

Jane Njeri (Ken) bt Elizabeth Musimenta (Uga) 3-0

Plate:

Juniors:

Aron Isabirye bt Abdu Sekitoleko 3-0

Seniors:

William Byaruhanga bt Mande Aliho 3-0

End.