The Uganda Pickleball Open has strengthened the sport’s growing presence in Uganda after attracting players from seven countries for a two-day tournament in Kampala.
Organised by the Uganda Pickleball Association, the competition was held on September 18 and 19, 2026, at the Old Kampala Sports Arena, with participants from Uganda, Kenya, Canada, India, Tanzania, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Players competed in five categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
In the Men’s Singles, Grivine Pepela emerged winner, followed by Balina Raykhan in second place and Adrian Magandazi in third.
Madia Namaganda claimed the Women’s Singles title, with Veronika Nakabira finishing second and Lisa Amenya taking third place.
The Men’s Doubles category was won by Kabanda Shafick and Mugula James. Ntale Latiff and James Mulwana finished second, while Aly Allibhai and Believen Green placed third.
In the Women’s Doubles, Lisa Amenya and Salisha Chandra took first place, ahead of Madia Namaganda and Veronika Nakabira. Nina Kamukama and Patience Namataka finished third.
Kabanda Shafick and Madia Namaganda won the Mixed Doubles, with Stephen Okoth and Lisa Amenya taking second place. Grivine Pepela and Salisha Chandra finished third.
Robert Bakaze, President of the Uganda Pickleball Association, welcomed the international participation, describing the tournament as an important milestone for the sport in Uganda.
“The Uganda Pickleball Open demonstrated the tremendous potential of this sport in our country. Welcoming players from seven nations was an important milestone for us and reflects the growing interest in pickleball across Uganda and the wider region,” Bakaze said.
He congratulated the players and participants while also appreciating the sponsors and partners whose support contributed to the tournament.
The Uganda Pickleball Association says it will continue promoting the sport through organised competitions, player development programmes, community engagement and partnerships aimed at introducing pickleball to more people across Uganda.
The 2026 Uganda Pickleball Open was supported by Paddelle, Talent Africa Group, 1st Financial Foundations, Pickled Gems, Teuton Sports and UK Pickleball Shop.
