Uganda’s Badminton: Growing the Game, Flying the Flag
Badminton in Uganda is continuing to grow from the grassroots, with the Shuttle Time programme taking the sport into more schools and communities while Ugandan players simultaneously test themselves on the international stage.
The latest Shuttle Time workshop in Namutumba District provided teachers with practical badminton skills and a fresh appreciation of the sport, reinforcing Badminton Uganda’s ambition to see badminton played in schools across every part of the country. The programme, held at Kaswabuli Senior Secondary School in the Busoga region, brought together teachers for two days of training and exposure.
For some participants, it was their first real interaction with badminton. Teachers left the programme with skills they could take back to their schools, with several expressing plans to establish badminton clubs and introduce the game to their learners.
Nangobi Betty of Namutumba Progressive School described the experience as an opportunity to acquire skills she had not previously possessed, including how to use the racket and shuttlecock. She said she was looking forward to passing those skills on to her students.
At Kaswabuli Senior Secondary School, host teacher MaginoIsaac said the workshop had provided valuable exposure to a sport the school had not expected to experience at that level. The school is now looking towards participating in badminton competitions from the next school term.
The programme is also challenging the perception that badminton is only for young or highly athletic people. Participants highlighted the sport’s accessibility and its potential to bring together people of different ages and abilities, with even participants above 60 showing interest in taking up the game.
According to Badminton Uganda CEO Mugabe Simon, the Shuttle Time programme is part of a wider national effort to develop badminton through schools and districts. The organisation aims to continue expanding its reach, training teachers and creating a stronger foundation for the sport at grassroots level.
The impact of the programme is already extending beyond playing. Faali Penina, who encountered badminton for the first time during the workshop, said she intended to establish the sport as a school club and had even developed an interest in pursuing umpiring.
Kisiki College Namutumba PE teacher Kipilimo Tonny also said the training had equipped him with skills that could help him coach players and prepare them for competition at school, district, regional and national levels. He further pointed to badminton’s contribution to physical fitness and healthy living.
Fadila at the World Stage
While Shuttle Time was working to create the next generation of Ugandan badminton players, Fadila Shamika Mohamed Rafi represented Uganda at the 2026 BWF World Championships, where she faced Malaysia’s Karupathevan Letshanaa in the Round of 64.
It was a demanding first-round encounter against a high-level Malaysian opponent, with Letshanaa securing a 2–0 victory. She won the opening game 21–11 before taking the second 21–7, bringing Fadila’s championship campaign to an end in the Round of 64.
But beyond the result, Fadila viewed the experience as an important opportunity to measure herself against world-class opposition.
Speaking after the match, she acknowledged the intensity of facing a player from one of badminton’s strongest regions and said the encounter provided valuable lessons at the highest level. She maintained that she gave her best and fought throughout the match.
Fadila will now take some rest before she goes on her next challenge as Shuttle Time moves to Bugweri district this weekend.
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