KAMPALA — City Tyres, under the Mandela Group of Companies, has officially launched the ninth edition of the City Tyres–Linglong East African Badminton Challenge, reaffirming the private sector’s growing role in supporting sports development and nurturing young talent in Uganda.
The launch, held at City Tyres on Sixth Street in Kampala, brings together City Tyres, Mandela Group of Companies, Linglong Tyres and Badminton Uganda as partners in a competition that has continued to attract players from across the East African region.
The championship has grown into a major badminton platform, with previous editions attracting players from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan and all around the world across different age groups and competition categories.
Herbert Bashasha: Mandela Group committed to sport
Speaking on behalf of City Oil and the Mandela Group of Companies, Mr Herbert Bashasha reaffirmed their commitment to using sport as a vehicle for youth development, talent identification and community engagement.
Bashasha said the continued partnership demonstrates Mandela Group’s belief that businesses have an important role to play beyond their commercial activities, particularly by creating platforms where young people can discover and develop their abilities.
He noted that the East African Badminton Challenge has steadily grown over the years, providing players with an opportunity to compete, gain experience and interact with athletes from across the region.
The Mandela Group’s involvement is part of its wider support for sporting and youth-development initiatives. The group operates City Tyres alongside other businesses in Uganda, with City Tyres specialising in tyres, wheels and automotive products.
Simon Mugabi hails Mandela Group’s continued support
Simon Mugabi, CEO of Badminton Uganda, thanked the Mandela Group for consistently supporting badminton and creating opportunities for players to showcase their talent.
With the competition starting from 14th October 2026 to 18th October 2026 at the lugogo indoor stadium,Mugabi said the tournament has become an important fixture on Uganda’s badminton calendar bringing over 1014 players allover the world in the past tournaments, and the large number of young players, adults, professionals, corporate teams and regional participants it brings together.
He credited the continued support from City Tyres and the Mandela Group for helping the sport expand its reach and giving athletes greater exposure.
“This competition portrays the future of badminton in the country,” Mugabi said during the previous edition’s launch, emphasising that the tournament gives players valuable exposure while bringing together youth, adults and corporate competitors.
Mugabi also stressed the importance of competitions of this nature in building a stronger pipeline of players who can eventually represent Uganda at continental and international level.
Linglong pledges continued sponsorship and partnership
Representing Linglong Tyres, the official sponsor of the tournament, Tina Wang also expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the championship and the development of badminton in Uganda and East Africa.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships between the private sector and sports organisations in creating opportunities for young people while promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening relationships between communities across the region.
Linglong has been a key partner of the championship, which has been organised with the involvement of Mandela Group, Badminton Uganda and other stakeholders. Previous editions have attracted more than 1,000 players, with the 2025 competition expected to draw about 1,500 participants due to continued invitation of players from different regions.
Building the future of badminton
The ninth edition is expected to once again feature competitions across multiple categories, providing opportunities for both upcoming and established players. Including school children and different age groups such as the under 16, under 18 nad under 19.
The tournament’s continued growth reflects the increasing attention being given to badminton as a sport capable of developing young talent, promoting fitness and creating regional sporting connections.
For Mandela Group and City Tyres, the championship also represents an opportunity to strengthen their contribution to community development through sport, while Linglong’s sponsorship continues to provide an important platform for the competition.
As Uganda prepares to host another edition of the regional championship, organisers are looking forward to another strong showing from local players and participants from across East Africa and the world at large.
Daily MirrorUG | Sports
