The Kateregga Memorial Schools’ Table Tennis Championship will return this month after a decade-long absence, with more than 40 schools expected to compete from February 27 to March 1, 2026 at Lugogo.
Organised by the Uganda Table Tennis Association, the tournament honours the legacy of Francis Kateregga, widely regarded as one of Uganda’s finest table tennis players.
Kateregga made history in 1995 when he won a bronze medal at the All Africa Games in Zimbabwe, becoming part of the first Ugandan team to secure a medal in racket games at the continental level. He narrowly missed out on an Olympic appearance after compatriots June Kyakobye, Paul Mutambuze and Mary Musoke qualified for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
His journey in the sport began at City High School Kololo, where he was drafted into the national junior team while still in Senior Two. Kateregga used his influence to draw many schoolmates into table tennis, helping the sport grow at grassroots level. Before his death in 1997 from pneumonia and cerebral malaria, he had earned continental and world rankings.
Former national player James Kiyimba, who competed alongside Kateregga, described him as a uniquely gifted athlete whose impact remains visible today. Kiyimba noted that table tennis once thrived in traditional powerhouse schools such as St. Henry’s College Kitovu, Namilyango College and Makerere College School. He said reviving the championship can help restore that competitive culture in schools.
Association president Cyrus Muwanga said the primary objective of bringing back the tournament is to identify and nurture new talent while celebrating Kateregga’s contribution to the sport. He added that school competitions remain central to rebuilding Uganda’s strength in table tennis.
Kiyimba also stressed the importance of recognising pioneers, arguing that honouring past heroes motivates the current generation to pursue excellence.
Meanwhile, rising Ugandan player Joseph Ssebatindira has already drawn comparisons to Kateregga because of his style and potential, underlining the need for platforms that expose young talent.
The championship’s return at Lugogo marks a significant step in preserving Kateregga’s legacy while strengthening the foundation of table tennis development in Uganda.
