Uganda will make a long-awaited return to the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC), with the national women’s team set to compete in the 2025 edition in Doha, Qatar.
The team departs on Friday, May 16, marking Uganda’s first appearance at the global event in 15 years.
The breakthrough was delivered by standout players Jemimah Nakawala and Parvin Judith Nangonzi, whose performances over the past year earned Uganda crucial qualification points.
Their achievements include a gold medal at the 2024 Regional Senior Championships held in Kampala, a strong showing at the All Africa Games in Ghana, and a historic bronze medal at the Africa Senior Championships in Ethiopia, Uganda’s first continental medal in 25 years.
“Uganda had not qualified to participate in the WTTC ever since qualification became mandatory,” said Robert Jjagwe, President of the Uganda Table Tennis Association.
“Thanks to the exceptional efforts of Nakawala and Nangonzi, we’re proud to announce our return to the biggest stage in table tennis,” he added.
Jjagwe attributed the qualification success to the players’ love for the sport, hard work, and discipline.
He also praised coaches Alvin Katumba and Tendo Mary Balyewunya for their dedicated training, and extended special thanks to three-time Olympian Mary Musoke for her continued support to Nakasero Table Tennis Club, where both athletes train.
Musoke has played a key role in supporting the club with equipment, coaching remuneration, and other logistics.
He also acknowledged the government of Uganda, through Parliament and the National Council of Sports (NCS), for providing funding that enabled Uganda’s participation in various qualifying competitions.
“Our cooperation with NCS has unlocked numerous opportunities for our athletes,” Jjagwe added.
The team will travel aboard Qatar Airways and is expected to return on May 25 after the conclusion of the championships.
