As the 2025 Table Tennis Festival in Lagos reaches its thrilling conclusion, Uganda’s young paddlers have emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the multi-event continental showcase.
What began as a test of skill, endurance, and mental strength has turned into a triumphant display of Uganda’s growing influence in African table tennis. With three golds, one silver, and two bronze medals already secured, the East African nation is leaving a lasting impression in Nigeria.
The three-part festival, which brought together over 15 nations, began with the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge—a developmental tournament for the continent’s youngest talents—where Uganda claimed gold in both the boys’ and girls’ events.
Momentum carried into the African Youth Championships, where the Ugandan squad added more silverware: one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, highlighting their depth across age categories and genders.
Now, attention turns to the final leg—the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup. Joseph Sebatindira has booked a quarterfinal date with Algeria’s Goudjil Aylan, while teammate Shariff Nsereko seeks a semifinal spot against Chad’s Putola Tidiane, having avenged an earlier loss to Algeria’s Zouitene Bilel in the group stages.
A Ugandan showdown in the girls’ singles quarterfinals is also on the cards, with Jemimah Nakawala set to face compatriot Patience Anyango in what is expected to be a fiery internal contest at 11:30 a.m. EAT.
Elsewhere, Parvin Judith Nangonzi looks to extend Uganda’s medal haul in the U19 category as she takes on Nigeria’s Ojo Favour—a stern test against the home favorite.
Uganda’s delegation, coached by Alvin Katumba and Tendo Balyewunya, includes seven promising players, among them Patra Nasirumbi and Ibrahim Mutesasira, who have gained valuable experience on the continental stage.
As the festival wraps up, Uganda’s performance in Lagos will be remembered not just for the medals, but for announcing a new generation ready to challenge Africa’s table tennis elite.
