The 2025 Uganda Open Tennis Tournament concluded on Saturday, May 24, with the host nation delivering a landmark performance, claiming two major titles at the Lugogo Tennis Complex in Kampala.
Patience Athieno of Victoria University made history in the Women’s Singles final, defeating Rwanda’s Gisele Umumararungu in a commanding display to secure the coveted title for Uganda.
Uganda also struck gold in the Men’s Doubles category, with the pairing of Simon Ayella and David Oringa emerging victorious after a fiercely contested final against Kenya’s Albert John Njogu and Ismael Changawa.
In the Men’s Singles final, Kenya’s Albert John Njogu, the tournament’s top seed, outlasted compatriot Ismael Changawa in a three-set thriller.
After losing the first set in a tiebreak 6-7(4), Njogu rebounded strongly to take the second set 6-3 before Changawa retired early in the deciding set with the score at 0-1.
The Women’s Doubles title went to Rwanda’s Gisele Umumararungu and Carine Nishimwe, who overcame Uganda’s Winnie Birungi and Abigail Mulungi Nabasinga in the final.
The tournament featured competition across juniors, seniors, and veterans in both singles and doubles categories, attracting a strong field from across East Africa.
Presiding over the final day, Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare applauded the event’s success.
“This performance is a testament to the potential of Ugandan tennis. I urge the Uganda Tennis Association to build on this momentum and invest more in grassroots development, especially through schools,” he said.
