Veteran table tennis player Jaime Byaruhanga has urged Uganda to reignite efforts to restore the country’s former glory in the sport, recalling the golden years when Uganda was a regular presence on the international stage.
Speaking at the Agenda Table Tennis Association Independence Corporate Gala in Namugongo, Byaruhanga reminisced about the vibrant 1990s era when Ugandan players such as the legendary Paul Mutambuze flew the national flag at the Olympic Games.
“During our years in the 1990s, table tennis was widely spread in schools, both primary and secondary, which helped many of us to learn and enjoy the sport. We had players representing Uganda on the global stage, including the Olympics something we no longer see today,” he said.
Table tennis first arrived in Uganda in 1952, introduced by the Brothers of Christian Instruction at Nsambya Sharing Youth Centre. From there, the sport grew steadily across schools and communities, producing a generation of skilled players and gaining popularity nationwide.
But despite modern facilities, upgraded tables, and better equipment, Byaruhanga noted that competitive participation has sharply declined in recent years.
The Independence Corporate Gala brought together a mix of youth players, veterans, and corporate teams in a celebration that underscored Uganda’s sporting heritage and the enduring appeal of table tennis. It also sparked conversations about reviving structured competitions, expanding grassroots programs, and reintroducing the game more robustly in schools.
Byaruhanga expressed optimism that with stronger investment, clear development pathways, and renewed commitment from stakeholders, Uganda could reclaim its once-proud place on the international table tennis scene.
