Nsubuga, Nalumansi top the City Tyres Linglong badminton Championship

Reagan Michael Nsubuga beat defending champion Muzafaru Lubega 2-1 to win the 8th City Tyres Linglong East African Badminton Challenge at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Nsubuga avenged his previous 2-0 loss to Lubega by winning the first set 21-15. Lubega responded by taking the second set 21-9, but a knee injury hampered his game, forcing him to receive first aid twice.

The final set was closely contested, with both players competing intensely. Nsubuga, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student at Ndejje University, secured a narrow 22-20 victory to claim his first Linglong title and the sh1.8m top prize. A total of sh12.8m was shared out to the winners in the men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as all the semifinalists in those divisions.

“It was a tough and intense match. It was not easy, but I gave it my all and put in maximum effort, hoping to come out on top,” Nsubuga said.

“My opponent wasn't an easy one either, partly because he's a friend who knows my game inside and out. So, I really had to fight for this win. I also want to thank God for blessing me with this victory.

“On top of that, the hard work I put in definitely contributed to this win. My motivation going into the match was primarily internal; I needed to psych myself up. I strongly believed I would succeed this time, especially since I'd been runner-up twice before and didn't want it to happen for the third time.

“This year was about changing that outcome, and I had to trust my abilities. That is why I pushed myself harder than ever,” Nsubuga stated.

Reagan Nsubuga in action during the finals of the City Tyres-Linglong East Africa Badminton Challenge at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, October 18, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Nsubuga extended his winning form to the men’s doubles, where he partnered with Samuel Wasswa to also win against Joshua Ekochu/Tendo Mukalazi 2-0 (21-17, 21-17), earning an extra sh1.6m for the pair. He also inspired Ndejje University to the team events title ahead of participants from Uganda Christian University that came second and Makerere University Business School and Kyambogo University that finished at the semis. He was also on Uganda’s Nations League team that emerged overall winner in that category.

Lubega got the consolation from the doubles and mixed doubles, which he won with Glady’s Mbabazi 2-0 against Ahmed Oduka/Swabrah Nanyombi and 2-1 against Akbar Oduka/Nazifar Nakiyemba, respectively.

In the women’s division, CFK Badminton Academy’s Kruthum Nalumansi successfully defended her title after beating Tracy Naluwooza 2-0 (21-4, 21-19). Nalumansi engaged high gear from the start giving her opponent no chance to settle before she won the first set 21-4. Naluwooza put some fight in the second set but the determined champion could not relent, sealing the victory with a 21-19 set win.

“My coach's training was incredibly beneficial. He provided a lot of support, working with me on both my physical conditioning and my on-court skills. I'm so grateful to Coach Fred Kirabo, and everyone in the CFK badminton community,” Nalumansi said.

The different winners pose with their trophies after the finals of the City Tyres-Linglong East Africa Badminton Challenge at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, October 18, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“It was quite challenging because my opponent is a skilled player. She's very good, which made it a tough match. But thankfully, I was able to come out on top. This was tougher than last year’s final. It was definitely a struggle.”

Nalumansi who also picked up a sh1.8m cash, said the tournament had given her enough motivation and preparation for the Zambia International which is her next competition, November 12-15.

Nalumansi also starred in the women’s doubles, pairing with Fridah Mbuya to make the semis. Gladys Mbabazi/Meble Namakoye beat Olivia Nakajja/Tracy Naluwooza 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) to win the event.