Uganda Open Tennis 2025 heats up as junior finals set

The 2025 Uganda Open Tennis Championship, which served off on Monday with matches at Lugogo Tennis Complex and Kampala Club, has now reached its final stages.

The tournament, running from May 10 to 24, began with the Under-14 boys and girls categories at Lugogo, while the veterans (40+ years) category is being played at Kampala Club.

The Under-14 event has proven to be highly competitive, featuring several elite young players with international experience.

In the girls' final taking place today (Thursday), Josephine Nasejje will face Miracle Nabulya. Nasejje reached the final after defeating Nakato Kabagoonza 2-0 (6-1, 6-2), while Nabulya also eliminated Nakato with a 2-0 (6-3, 6-0) win.

In the boys' final, Raymond Kasaadha will battle Abbey Ddamba. Kasaadha advanced by beating Solomon Buyinza 2-0, and Ddamba overcame Enyama by the same score.

The Under-14 tournament attracted 31 boys and 18 girls, though participants in this category are not eligible for prize money.

Meanwhile, the Under-18 boys and girls competitions kick off today (Thursday) at Lugogo.

The professional category for players aged 18 to 40 is set to begin on Monday, May 19, at Lugogo. The Uganda Tennis Association (UTA) has allocated UGX 20 million in total prize money, with UGX 10 million set aside for both the men’s and women’s professional categories. Cash prizes will be awarded at each stage of the tournament.

Kenya’s Albert Ngoju is the top seed in the men’s draw.

Online entries remain open, and according to UTA Operations Officer Lenox Kangume, the main draws—featuring 64 men and 32 women—will be released on May 18, which is also the deadline for late entries.

So far, the tournament has drawn international participation, 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, who are expected to challenge Tanzania’s Shana Martin Mao, last year’s champion.

On the men’s side, local stars David Oringa, Frank Tayebwa, and Simon Ayella will aim to reclaim the title. At the 2023 edition, Kenya’s Ismail Changawa emerged champion after defeating Rwanda’s Etienne Niyigena in the final at Lugogo.

Junior Semifinal Results boys

A. Ddamba bt E. Enyama 2-0

R. Kasaadha bt S.Buyinza 2-0

Semifinal Girls:

M. Nabulya bt P. Nattabi 2-0

J. Nasejje bt N. Kabagoonza 2-0