Athletes chase glory and inspire inclusion at Uganda Para Badminton International tournament

The Lugogo Indoor Stadium has once again become a hub of international para sport as Uganda hosts the Uganda Para Badminton International 2026, bringing together elite para badminton players from across Africa in a tournament that is as much about competition as it is about inclusion, resilience and opportunity.

Running from 7–12 July 2026, the championship has attracted athletes from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Benin and Israel, with players competing across various disability classifications in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.

Although the tournament was expected to welcome competitors from 26 countries, participation was significantly affected by concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak. Nevertheless, organisers successfully staged the event with 40 athletes representing five countries, ensuring the championship remained on the international badminton calendar.

Opening the tournament, William Blick, an IOC Member and Uganda sports administrator, praised the resilience shown by the organisers and participants.

He noted that despite the challenges, Uganda had demonstrated its ability to safely host an international sporting event while reinforcing its commitment to inclusive sport.

Blick emphasised that hosting such competitions is vital in increasing participation among persons with disabilities and strengthening inclusive sports policies. He also applauded the International Federation, the Government of Uganda and the national federation for ensuring the event went ahead despite difficult circumstances.

“This shows the world that Uganda is still safe,” he remarked while officially launching the championship at Lugogo.

Beyond the competition itself, the event has also featured an international development course aimed at countries seeking to establish and grow para badminton programmes, further underlining Uganda’s growing role in developing the sport across Africa.

The opening day’s action on Wednesday produced a series of competitive encounters featuring both Ugandan and international athletes.

Uganda enjoyed several encouraging performances, particularly in the mixed doubles and women’s competitions.

Among the standout Ugandan victories was the mixed doubles pairing of Julius Obura and Harriet Nakayima, who secured a straight-games victory over the Israeli-Benin combination of Linir Haziza and Amandine Oloukou, winning 21-16, 21-15.

Another impressive comeback came from Jonathan Ochan and Juliet Mary Namunoga, who recovered after losing the opening game to defeat Latifu Ngobi and Elizabeth Mwesigwa 19-21, 21-11, 21-12.

In the women’s singles SL4/SU5 competition, Sumin Mutesi defeated Harriet Nakayima in straight sets before Elizabeth Mwesigwa produced a commanding performance to overcome Resty Nangobi Kalembe 21-4, 21-3, highlighting the growing depth of Uganda’s female para badminton players.

Jonathan Ochan also impressed in the men’s SL4/SU5 singles competition, defeating Charles Kalega Kizza 21-10, 21-8 to progress confidently through his group.

Uganda continued to register positive results in doubles competition, with Godfrey Katalo and Latifu Ngobi edging fellow Ugandans Sumin Mutesi and Juliet Mary Namunoga in a tightly contested encounter before Ritah Asiimwe and Elizabeth Mwesigwa defeated the Israeli-Ugandan pairing of Linir Haziza and Julius Masereka in straight games.

The tournament has also seen strong performances from Nigeria, whose players dominated several men’s singles and wheelchair events, underlining the country’s growing strength in para badminton on the continent.

For many competitors, the Uganda International is more than just another tournament. It offers valuable international ranking points and serves as an important step on the road toward qualification for future global competitions, including LA 2028.

Kenyan SH6 player John Otoa returned to Kampala for the first time since competing in the 2019 edition.

Having previously won one bronze and two silver medals in Uganda, Otoa expressed his delight after claiming a gold medal this year.

He explained that despite administrative challenges that led to the suspension of Kenya’s federation, athletes had continued training and remained committed to returning stronger to international competition.

His focus now shifts to the Brazil International tournament in two weeks before beginning the qualification journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Rwandan wheelchair player Cody Ndairosa Ndamoro described the Uganda tournament as an invaluable learning opportunity.

Competing internationally for only the second time, he believes every tournament helps improve his experience and confidence while encouraging more people living with disabilities to embrace para badminton.

Ugandan wheelchair athlete Naziwa Sarah enters this year’s competition determined to improve on the silver medal she won in 2025.

Her ambition is straightforward—winning her first international gold medal on home soil.

Meanwhile, Asimwe Rita, a Ugandan Paralympian and para badminton player who represented Uganda at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and is the African champion in the SU5 category, admitted that the reduced international participation had limited opportunities for athletes seeking valuable qualification points.

Despite returning after a two-year competitive break, she was pleased with her performance and proud to once again represent Uganda. For Asimwe, wearing the national colours remains a privilege regardless of the circumstances.

Samuel Ekama, Second Vice President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and National Coordinator of Para Badminton, credited Uganda’s consistency in organising the championship as an inspiration for the establishment of Nigeria’s own international para badminton tournament, the first of its kind in West Africa.

Having attended Uganda’s tournament since 2007, he praised the organisation, accommodation, transportation and overall experience, saying the annual competition has become a model for para badminton development across Africa.

He added that the championship has provided exposure, recognition and greater inclusion for persons with disabilities while creating opportunities for athletes to realise their full sporting potential.

As competition continues throughout the week at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, the Uganda Para Badminton International remains a celebration of resilience, determination and inclusion.

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