All set for 2026 Uganda Para International

Uganda is set to welcome para badminton athletes from across the globe as preparations enter the final stages for the 2026 Uganda Para International Tournament, with organisers expressing confidence that the annual competition will once again provide a valuable platform for athletes despite a lower turnout than previous editions.

Speaking during the preparations, Uganda Badminton Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabe said the tournament will run from Tuesday, July 7 to Sunday, July 12 at the Indoor Arena in Lugogo, bringing together competitors from 16 countries.

Among the nations expected to participate are Israel, India, Brazil, Nigeria, Benin, DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and host Uganda, among others.

Although the tournament has attracted fewer countries than in previous editions, Mugabe explained that the reduction was largely due to concerns about the Ebola outbreak, which affected travel decisions and forced several teams to withdraw despite having initially confirmed participation.

He noted that the previous edition attracted more than 30 countries, but the widespread publicity surrounding Ebola disrupted preparations and reduced entries. Nevertheless, he stressed that Uganda remains safe for hosting international sporting events and that all necessary precautions have been taken.

Mugabe pointed to Uganda’s successful hosting of international competitions during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of the country’s ability to organise major events safely. During that period, Uganda welcomed more than 50 countries and over 250 players without any participant leaving the country infected with COVID-19, a record that has continued to build confidence within the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

While acknowledging that the reduced numbers are disappointing for organisers, he maintained that cancelling the tournament would have been more damaging in the long term. Following consultations with the BWF, the federation resolved to proceed with the competition, believing that maintaining consistency is essential for preserving Uganda’s reputation as a reliable host and encouraging stronger participation in future editions.

The local organising committee has also made deliberate changes regarding Uganda’s participation. Mugabe explained that in previous tournaments, some local players registered but later failed to compete, a situation that negatively affected the country’s standing with the BWF.

As a result, only athletes fully prepared to compete have been retained in this year’s squad, reducing Uganda’s team to 20 players. According to Mugabe, this decision also helps the federation avoid unnecessary fines, allowing resources to be redirected towards athlete development instead of penalties.

Beyond hosting international events, Mugabe believes the Uganda Para International has played a significant role in transforming the lives and careers of Uganda’s para badminton athletes.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2017, he said several players have developed into internationally recognized competitors. He highlighted Paralympian Rita Asimwe as one of the sport’s success stories, noting that she now competes regularly on the international stage, receives support from the BWF to attend tournaments, and continues to gain international recognition, including appearances at overseas events and talk shows.

He also cited Elizabeth Mwesigwa as another beneficiary of the programme, explaining that the exposure created through para badminton has attracted support for her school while also boosting her confidence and expanding her network of international friends and supporters.

According to Mugabe, the impact extends beyond individual achievements. Many athletes who initially lacked confidence have become more empowered, embracing opportunities to compete, interact with others, and represent Uganda proudly.

The federation is equally focused on expanding the sport across the country. Working under Uganda’s new sports framework, para badminton has already established a presence in 94 districts, where officials continue identifying and nurturing persons with disabilities who can participate in the sport.

The long-term vision now centres on developing young talent. Mugabe said the federation is investing in junior players and creating more opportunities through local and international competitions to build a stronger pathway for future elite athletes.

These efforts are particularly important as attention shifts towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. With the Paralympic qualification cycle set to begin in early 2027, the federation hopes to prepare more Ugandan athletes capable of securing qualification for the global showpiece.

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