The revived Uganda Open Tennis Championship reaches its climax today (Friday) with the juniors’ finals at Lugogo Tennis Courts, marking the end of the Under-14 category that began on Monday.
Both the boys’ and girls’ finals will not only determine the champions but also highlight the strength of the tennis academies grooming young talent.
In the boys’ final, Damba from Tennis for All Academy in Makerere will face off Buyinza from Tena Academy, also based in Makerere. Meanwhile, both girls’ finalists hail from Kimera Academy in Butambala, underscoring the academy’s growing influence in youth tennis.
Action in the Under-18 boys and girls categories got underway on Thursday, also at Lugogo.
The pro category, featuring players aged 18 to 40, is set to begin on Monday, May 19 at the same venue. Uganda Tennis Association (UTA) has announced a total prize purse of Shs20 million for the tournament, with Shs10 million allocated to each of the men’s and women’s categories. Winners at every stage will receive cash prizes.
Kenya’s Albert Ngoju is the top seed in the men’s pro category. According to UTA operations officer Lenox Kangume, the main draws, comprising 64 men and 32 women will be released on May 18, with online registration still ongoing. Late entries will close on the same day.
So far, the tournament has attracted a competitive international field, including eight players from Kenya, three from DR Congo, six from Rwanda, two from Burundi, and one from France.
In the women’s category, Uganda’s hopes rest on Patience Ateno and Winnie Birungi as they prepare to challenge defending champion Shana Martin Mao of Tanzania.
In the men’s draw, homegrown talents David Oringa, Frank Tayebwa, and Simon Ayella will be aiming to reclaim the title. Kenya’s Ismail Changawa won the previous edition at Lugogo in 2023, defeating Rwanda’s Etienne Niyigena in the final.
