UGANDA NATIONAL TEAM HEADS TO MADAGASCAR FOR 2025 ITTF EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL SENIOR TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Uganda’s national table tennis team is set to raise the national flag high as they depart for the 2025 ITTF Eastern Africa Regional Senior Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to take place in Madagascar from May 28th to June 4th, 2025.

The women’s team heads into the championship as defending champions, having triumphed in last year’s tournament held in Kampala, Uganda at the NCS Indoor Arena. The men’s team, equally determined, will be aiming to improve upon their impressive runner-up finish in that same tournament.

Team Uganda: A Blend of Experience and Rising Stars

The Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) has assembled a formidable team that reflects a strong blend of youthful talent and elite experience:

Women’s Team (Defending Champions): Parvin Judith Nangonzi

Jemimah Nakawala

Patience Anyango

Men’s Team (Runners-up Last Year): Samuel Ankunda

Philip Napookoli

Sir Joseph Sebatindira

The team will be under the seasoned leadership of Coach and Head of Delegation, Alvin Katumba, who has been instrumental in nurturing Uganda’s growing reputation in the sport across the region.

One of the standout athletes to watch will be Samuel Ankunda, Uganda’s top seed, who made headlines in October 2024 when he defeated Africa’s top seed, Essid Wassim of Tunisia—not once, but twice—at the Africa Senior Championships in Ethiopia. His commanding presence is expected to inspire confidence and consistency among the men’s team.

Also grabbing global attention is Sir Joseph Sebatindira, a prodigy currently ranked World Number 1 in the Under-11 category, and Uganda’s Seed 4 in Men’s Singles. His exceptional skill and composure far beyond his years continue to awe fans and competitors alike.

Among the ladies, Patience Anyango brings dominance and determination, entering the tournament as the reigning Africa Under-11 Seed 1. With her power and tactical brilliance, she is expected to play a pivotal role in Uganda’s title defense.

Nakasero Table Tennis Club: The Powerhouse Behind the Talent 

All six players hail from the acclaimed Nakasero Table Tennis Club, a testament to the institution’s excellence in talent development. UTTA has extended its heartfelt appreciation to the club’s Director, Mary Musoke, for her unwavering support, mentorship, and resource mobilization that has helped shape these athletes into champions.

Special recognition also goes to the dedicated coaching duo of Alvin Katumba and Tendo Mary Balyewunya, whose tireless commitment to training and mentorship continues to yield remarkable results for Uganda.

The Uganda Table Tennis Association has also extended its gratitude to the National Council of Sports (NCS) for its strategic and continuous support. The strong partnership between UTTA and NCS has enabled the players to receive adequate preparations, logistical backing, and motivation to compete at the regional and continental levels.

As Team Uganda heads into the week-long championship, there is high confidence among fans and officials that they will bring home medals and elevate Uganda’s stature in international table tennis. With talent, preparation, and national support aligning, the Ugandan delegation carries not just paddles and kitbags, but the dreams and hopes of a proud sporting nation.