Wonder Kid Aaron Isabirye Wins Regional Squash Tournament in Kenya, Inspires Uganda.

By Samson Ssemakadde NAIROBI

Uganda’s Aaron Isabirye announced himself on the regional stage on Saturday, delivering a commanding performance at the Mid-year Junior Squash Tournament in Parklands, Nairobi. 

The 10-year-old P.5 pupil from St. Benedict Primary School in Kabulengwa, Nansana, swept past Kenya’s Henry Sishia 3-0 in both the Under-10 and Under-13 finals. 

Competing against older opponents, Isabirye also reached the semifinals in the U15 and U19 categories before bowing out to Kenyan challengers. The tournament drew 80 junior players from across Africa, aiming to spotlight emerging talent. Isabirye, who trains at Kampala Club under coach Michael Raymond Kawooya, has been on a tear this year. 

His 2026 trophy cabinet already includes titles from the Mutebile Memorial tournament, Kinyara Invitational, and Bank of Uganda Open. “Isabirye is a very promising player who improves every time. I’m happy to work with him,” Kawooya said after the matches. Isabirye’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed back home. “His remarkable success is a source of great pride to our school and the nation,” said St. Benedict head teacher Agnes Nakirijja, who praised his work ethic and determination. The youngster himself is focused on the long game. 

“One day we will challenge those who doubted. They will be among the witnesses that will clap for us, and forget that they once criticized us,” Isabirye said. 

Local squash has long been led by veterans like Paul Kadoma, Ivan Wasswa, and Kawooya. But a new generation is emerging, with names like Israel Kisawuzi, Daniel Kalama, Nick Mukalu, Elijah Kasirye, Abdul Shakul Ssekitoleko, and Hussamah Ssemakula all looking to make their mark. For Isabirye, Nairobi was just the latest step. 

If Saturday was any indication, the 10-year-old from Nansana is playing for much bigger stages.