Nishimura, Awori win the Uganda Pickleball Open
Brenda Awori was also in fine form beating Mandi Namaganda by the same score to win the women’s singles as the two-day event came to a close.
The top pairs from the doubles event pose with their medals. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Japanese national Naoya Nishimura beat James Mugula 2-1 to win the Uganda Pickleball Open held at the Old Kampala Sports Arena on Sunday.
Brenda Awori was also in fine form beating Mandi Namaganda by the same score to win the women’s singles as the two-day event came to a close.
Nishimura won the first set 11-7 before Mugula won the second 11-9 and before Nishimura won the decisive set 12-10.
Nishimura, who was visiting Africa for the first time, said he was excited to play against youngsters who are keen on excelling in the sport.
The different medalists pose with their accolades after the Uganda Pickleball Open at the Old Kampala Sports Arena, June 15, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“It is my first time visiting Africa, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. Nice weather, good people—it is such a good experience in my life. The competition was good with many young players; it was impressive from the young stars,” Nishimura said.
“They are more energetic than the Japanese players, though we use a lot of strategy in Japan, unlike the Ugandans, who use a lot of power.”
Nishimura had eliminated Benjamin Achuma with a 2-0 win in the semifinals, while Mugula had seen off Judah Kiku with a similar score in the other semifinal. Achuma consoled himself by winning the third-place play-off 2-0 against Kiku.
Naoya Nishimura (center) who won the Uganda Pickleball Open poses with Benjamin Acuma (left) and James Mugula after the Pickleball Uganda Open at the Old Kampala Sports Arena. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
On top of the singles victory, Awori teamed up with Achuma to also win the mixed doubles 2-0 against Mugula and Mandi Namaganda. Acuma had earlier beaten Nishimura & Regina Nakibuule 2-1 while Mugula/Namaganda had won 2-0 against Shafik Kabanda/Isabella.
The men’s doubles final pitted Aly Allibhai & Naoya Nishimura against Shafick Kabanda and James Mugula, which the latter won 2-0.
The mixed doubles were won by Benjamin Achuma and Brenda Awori, who beat Mugula and Namaganda 2-0, while the schools category was won by Rayan Mukama and Rogers Kakooza, who beat Steven Tobaine/Pius Nkata Mujabi 2-0.