The 2025 Uganda Tennis Open concluded with a dramatic twist as defending men’s singles champion Ismael Changawa of Kenya was forced to retire during a gripping all-Kenyan Final showdown, paving the way for John Njogu to win.
Yet, as the curtains fell on a fiercely contested tournament, the spotlight shifted towards a triumph that was uniquely Ugandan.
For all the international flair the tournament brought to Lugogo, it was the unlikely yet resolute duo of Simon Ayella and David Oring who delivered Uganda’s proudest moment, storming to a historic victory in the men’s doubles final.
In a pulsating showdown, Ayella and Oring stunned the heavily favoured Kenyan pair of Changawa and Njogu both dangerous individually and together,r proving that homegrown talent could hold its own against East Africa’s best.
“The Lord has helped us get this victory that we have always wanted,” a visibly emotional Simon Ayella declared moments after their win.
“We eventually became the Uganda Open doubles champions which has not happened in a short while. I don’t remember which doubles pair has ever been a Ugandan champion. So I think we are the first Ugandans to do this unless I’m proven wrong.”
Indeed, the gravity of their feat was not lost on spectators or Ayella himself. In a tournament flooded with foreign contenders aiming to claim local silverware, Ayella and Oring stood tall, refusing to be swept aside. Their chemistry, honed over years of playing together, was undeniable.
From the first round to the final, the Ugandan pair never dropped a set, an astonishing run underscoring their dominance.
“Even when you look at the draw sheet, we never lost a game since we started,” Ayella pointed out.
“Some of them have been losing a lot of games. So even everyone knew that we were favourites.”
For David Oring, the victory was especially sweet, a reminder of the resilience that has defined his two-decade-long career.
“This tournament, I didn’t make it in the singles, but I made it in the finals with my partner, who we have partnered for 15 years, from childhood we have been playing tennis,” he said.
“We have a strong mental toughness. When we are playing, we become one. It’s hard to beat us. I think we are the East African number one now.”
While Uganda didn’t manage a spot in either the men’s or women’s singles finals, the doubles victory stood as a shining beacon of local growth and promise. And even in defeat, the singles showdown between Changawa and Njogu was compelling.
The 2023 champion, Changawa, struggled with fitness and eventually retired after splitting the first two sets 7- 6 (4), 3-6, handing victory to his countryman in the third at 0-1.
Following the emotional final day, Plascon Brand Manager Daniel Kayongo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Ugandan tennis.
“Well done to the boys and girls, we are glad to be supporting the Uganda Open and we are not stopping at this,” Kayongo said.
“As Plascon, we are not interested in short-term stuff, therefore, we are looking forward to engaging with the Tennis leadership and strengthening our partnership.”
He also emphasized Plascon’s desire to continue supporting tennis in Uganda beyond this tournament: “We are also looking forward to supporting Tennis in the upcoming tournaments.”
Winners
Singles Men
- Winner – Albert John Njogu
- 1st Runners up – Ismael Changawa
Singles Women
- Winner – Patience Athieno
- 1st Runners up- Gisele Umarurarungu
Men Open Doubles
- Winner – Ayella Simon/ Oring David
- 1st Runners Up – Ismeal Changawa/ John Njogu
Women Open Doubles
- Winner – Gisele Umararungu/Carine Nishimwe
- 1st Runners Up – Abigail Nabisanga Mulungi/Winnie Birungi
U18 Boys
- Winner – Abdul Latif Ssendyowa
- 1st Runners up- Sebbi Muzamil
U14 Boys
- Winner – Raymond Kasada
- 1st Runners up – Damba Abbey
U14 Girls
- Winner – Josephine Naseije
- 1st Runners up – Miracle Nabulya
U18 Girls
- Winner – Claroh Courtney Asiimwe
- 1st Runners up – Lilian Ayee
