Reagan Michael Nsubuga stunned favourite Muzafaru Lubega in a thrilling men's singles final while Kruthum Nalumansi defended her women's title as the City Tyres East Africa Badminton Challenge 2026 ended at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.
Nsubuga, cheered by students from Mbogo High School, took the opening set 21-15 before Lubega responded emphatically to level with a 21-9 win.
The decider saw Nsubuga edge ahead at 20-19 only for Lubega to force 20-20 and send the crowd into a frenzy.
Badminton requires a two-point margin and Nsubuga found the decisive points to close out a 22-20 victory and claim the crown.
In the women's singles Nalumansi proved too strong for Tracy Naluwooza winning 21-4 21-19 to retain the title she won last year.
"I am happy to have defended my crown. I won it last year too," Nalumansi said.
"I am looking forward to improving and I trust myself to do better each new day," she added.
The championship also showcased young talent across age categories with school players dominating the junior draws.
Junior winners at Lugogo
- Under-10 boys: Aksam Nsubuga (Ebenezer Junior School) beat Kori Adamya (Aga Khan International School)
- Under-10 girls: Caroline Namwanja (Greenvalley Primary School) beat Fatia Nabukenya (Nihad Junior School)
- Under-13 boys: Sofia Nsubuga (Ebenezer Junior School) beat Abudallah Hydarry (Zainab Junior School)
- Under-13 girls: Blessing Agatesi (Greenvalley Primary School) beat Umaimah Nabasirye (Nihad Junior School)
- Under-15 boys: Mushiraf Bashir (Kinawa High School-Kawempe) beat Kasimbi Brydah (Kinawa High School-Kawempe)
- Under-15 girls: Divine Mwesigwa (CFK) beat Adlah Muleme (Mbogo High School)
- Under-19 boys: Eric Ofoyuru (Seroma Christian High School) beat Malik Juma Ahmed (Kibuli Secondary School)
- Under-19 girls: Mariam Namutebi (Mbogo High School) beat Malik Juma Zainab (CFK)
- Boys doubles 15-19: Douglas Awong and Eric Ofoyuru (Seroma Christian High School) beat Malik Juma Ahmed and Lukman Lubwama (Kibuli Secondary School)
Source: Kawowo Sports
