Sports 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sebatindira and Anyango Dominate Day One of Road to Sudan Table Tennis Trials
Joseph Sebatindira won all five of his matches to lead the men's field, while Patience Anyango secured victories in all four of her women's matches on the opening day of Uganda's trials for the ITTF-Africa East Regional Championships in Sudan. With only three slots available per category, the round-robin competition intensifies as every point matters in tiebreakers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/road-to-sudan-sebatindira-anyango-lead-on-day-one--5420482
Joseph Sebatindira, fresh from international play, topped day one of the national table tennis trials at the National Training Center, Kololo S.S.S. He remained undefeated, beating five opponents including a 3-2 thriller against teammate Noah Balyewunya, Tendo Kasoma (3-0), David Odoi (3-2), Juma Wabugoya (3-1), and Kevin Mubiru (3-2).
Despite his perfect record, Sebatindira appeared dissatisfied with his showings. As the sole unbeaten player among 15 men vying for three spots, he holds a strong edge, especially with absences from Clement Magomu and Jonathan Senyonga.
In the women’s category, reigning Africa Under-12 champion Patience Anyango swept her four matches: 3-0 over Iryn Wotanabera, Keku Kisakye, and Brenda Namukose, plus a 3-2 win against Flavia Amaniyo and a walkover against Ivy Nekesa. She now eyes challenges from top players like Parvin Judith Nangonzi who skipped day one for school qualifiers.
Benjamin Acuma (Grand Maria School Club) and Imran Luwooza (Seroma Christian High School) each claimed three wins from five games. Acuma declared, ‘I must get a slot, no matter what,’ while coach Isaac Bageya vowed to fight hard.
Nakasero Club coach Atwif Ssentamu aims high, targeting four of the six total slots with players like Sharif Nsereko and Joshua Magaya.
UTTA general secretary Joseph Rukundo stressed the round-robin stakes: wins first, then head-to-head, and points for ties. Day two resumes Sunday, with trials wrapping up April 18-19.
Key results included Sebatindira’s 3-2 over Mubiru, Acuma’s 3-0 over Balyewunya, and Anyango’s 3-2 over Amaniyo.