UTTA names team for continental region championship after trials

The Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) has named a team for the forthcoming ITTF Eastern Africa Regional Championships, scheduled for May 20–23 in Port Sudan.

The selection followed two weekends of national trials at the national training center at Kololo Secondary School, where 30 players competed in the men's and women's categories. The best three men and three women earned places on the national team.

National standouts Joseph Sebatindira and Jemimah Nakawala topped the men's and women's rankings respectively, delivering stellar performances throughout the trials.

In the men's category, Sebatindira, Joshua Magaya, and Enock Balyewunya secured national team slots. All three players hail from Nakasero Table Tennis Club. Sebatindira and Balyewunya finished tied at 22 points each, while Magaya followed with 20 points after a round-robin format involving 14 matches.

The women's team is also dominated by Nakasero Table Tennis Club players, with Nakawala, Patience Anyango, and Parvin Nangonzi earning selection. Nakawala and Anyango tied at 18 points apiece, while Nangonzi secured 15 points. Anyango replaces Judith Mirembe from last year's women's team after the latter's dip in form saw her finish the trials with 12 points.

Notably, all selected players fall within the junior category, highlighting a strong youth foundation for Uganda's table tennis future.

UTTA chairperson Cyrus Muwanga confirmed that the same squad is expected to represent Uganda in two major continental events.

"The athletes who will represent Uganda at the East Africa Regional Championships will also represent the country at the African Senior Championships scheduled for October 11–18, 2026, in Morocco, subject to qualification. This aligns with ITTF Africa regulations, which require teams for the African Senior Championships to include at least two players who featured in the regional championships," Muwanga stated.

UTTA General Secretary Joseph Rukundo added that the association is working closely with the National Council of Sports (NCS) to facilitate the team's preparations. He also noted that the women's team will be aiming to defend the gold medal they won at last year's edition.