Uganda set to host International Darts Open in Jinja City

Event : Uganda International Darts open

Dates: Friday 12th to Sunday 14th

Venue: Bax Hotel – Jinja City

Uganda Darts Association (UDA) chairman Abbey Ariong has confirmed that all preparations are complete for the Uganda International Darts Open Championship, scheduled to run from September 13 to 15 at Bax Hotel in Jinja City.

The three-day tournament is expected to draw over 400 players from Uganda and across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

“Uganda is fully prepared to host our guest players from the East Africa region and beyond. Our team is already on the ground finalising arrangements at Bax Hotel,” Ariong said.

He emphasized that the championship will serve multiple purposes: showcasing Uganda’s darts talent, especially among youth, promoting the country as a tourist destination, preparing players for global competitions like the Darts World Cup and Masters, and expanding the sport’s reach nationwide.

This marks the first time Jinja City will host the Uganda International Darts Open, adding a unique dimension to the event.

“It will be a fresh experience for both local and international players, who will also get to enjoy the Source of the Nile and other scenic attractions in Busoga,” Ariong noted.

The official draws, arrivals, and opening ceremony will take place on Friday, September 12. Matches begin on Saturday, with the finals set for Sunday, September 15.

Uganda’s top contenders include Patrick Ochieng, reigning East Africa PDC Men’s Tour champion; Job Odoi, 2023 Africa Men’s Champion; Tabaro David, 2025 WDF Africa Champion; Isaac Passi of UWA; and Emomeri Andrew, captain of the national men’s team.

In the women’s category, standout names include Sarah Makanga, double Africa women’s champion and East Africa defending champion; Maria Namuganyi; and Winnie Asuga of SSDC.

The championship will feature singles, doubles, and team competitions. Singles will be played in 501 x 5 up to the quarterfinals, 501 x 7 in the semifinals, and 501 x 9 in the finals. Doubles will run up to the semifinals on 501 x 5 and 501 x 7 in the final. The men’s team game will follow a round-robin format, first to 9, while the women’s team game will be first to 3.

Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three players and teams in each category.

Ariong concluded with a call to action: “We invite Ugandans to turn up in large numbers and be part of this exciting celebration of darts, while enjoying the warm hospitality that Jinja and Busoga have to offer.”