The eighth edition of the City Tyres East African Badminton Challenge has officially kicked off at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala, marking the beginning of five days of exciting badminton action.
This year’s tournament has attracted a diverse field of participants from across East Africa and beyond, including Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, the Cook Islands, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan.
The competition features several categories, including primary and secondary schools, universities, companies, veterans, professionals, coaches, and corporate teams, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal among players of different ages and backgrounds.
With a record over 1500 entries, this year’s edition has registered a significant increase in participation compared to the previous year, further cementing the tournament’s position as one of Uganda’s major badminton events.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mandela Group of Companies head of Marketing Mr Herbert Bashasha reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the tournament and engaging with the community through sport.
“We are very proud of this partnership as we look forward to continuing to engage with the community. We find badminton a genuine route to reach the community. This is our eighth year, and I strongly believe that we will be with them for many more years to come because we also find it an important cause. It also helps us nurture young lads,” Herbert Bashasha said.
The sponsorship reflects Mandela Group’s continued commitment to community engagement and youth development through sports.
In a media briefing, Uganda Badminton Association Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi commended City Tyres for its continued financial support of badminton in Uganda.
Mugabi said the tournament provides players with valuable opportunities to gain competitive experience and exposure while contributing to the development of the sport at different levels.
“We are committed to ensuring badminton grows. This competition is going to provide many players with invaluable exposure. It is truly one of the special events in Ugandan badminton, consistently attracting a large number of participants across youth, adult, and corporate levels, competing in both team and individual events,” Mugabi said.
As the tournament gets underway, players from across the participating countries are preparing to showcase their skills, compete for honours, and represent their respective teams and nations.
The five-day competition is expected to provide a platform for emerging talent, experienced players, and corporate participants to interact, compete, and contribute to the continued growth of badminton in the region.
Beyond the competition, the event also highlights the role of partnerships between the private sector and sports organisations in promoting youth participation, nurturing talent, and expanding opportunities for athletes.
Mandela Group of Companies is a diversified business conglomerate with interests spanning several sectors. Its portfolio includes brands such as City Oil, City Tyres, Café Javas, Mandela Millers, CJ’s, Mandela AutoSpares, City Retread, and The Food Hub.
Through its involvement in sporting initiatives such as the City Tyres East African Badminton Challenge, the group continues to support community engagement and youth development while contributing to the growth of sport in Uganda.
