Uganda’s world table tennis debut in doubt after UK visa denials

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Uganda’s women’s table tennis team is facing a major setback after key members were denied visas, casting doubt over the country’s historic debut at the 2026 World Table Tennis Championships in London.

The team risks missing the tournament scheduled for April 28 to May 9, 2026, in London, United Kingdom, as the sport marks 100 years of existence.

The setback follows the denial of visas by the British Embassy to two of the three players and their coach, just days before the tournament kicks off.

The affected players are Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Mirembe and coach Paul Mutambuze, who qualified the team at the continental championship in Tunisia last year.

The women table tennis team due to represent Uganda at the London world championship. (Courtesy)

Only Parvin Nangonzi was successful in acquiring a visa after having a better travel history in Europe, while it was the first time for the other players, according to Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) chairman Cyrus Muwanga.

“The embassy responded with no room to appeal the verdict. But the organising committee for the event has promised to continue and push to reverse the situation because many other countries are affected,” noted Muwanga.

Uganda had been drawn in Group 6 alongside India, Ukraine and Rwanda for the championship, to be held at the OVO Arena Wembley in London.

The three-player women’s team had made history by qualifying for the prestigious event, marking Uganda’s first appearance at the global championship.

The trio qualified after finishing second at the 2026 Continental Table Tennis Championships held in Tunisia in August last year. The top eight teams in both the men’s and women’s categories automatically qualify to represent Africa at the World Championships.

Muwanga said the visa application process had been ongoing since March this year.

“The team had prepared well and been exposed to frequent competition, with tournaments held almost every weekend, which benefited the players as they are all students,” Muwanga noted.

In March, Nakawala won gold at the Wandera Tournament in Kenya, while Mirembe claimed bronze.

Nakawala and Nangonzi also helped Kibuli Secondary School win gold at the Islamic Schools Championships over the Easter weekend at the start of this month, before competing in the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) qualifiers held at Nakivubo.

The players have also featured in national qualifiers as UTTA builds a strong team for the ITTF Eastern Africa Regional Championships scheduled for May 20 to 23 in Port Sudan.