Badminton team flagged off for 2026 All Africa Championships in Botswana

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Saturday 7th ( Kadiba )

Uganda 1 Zambia 1

Return leg

Saturday 14th (Lusaka)

Zambia v Uganda 4pm

The Uganda National Badminton Team has been flagged off to compete at the 2026 All Africa Senior Badminton Championships, scheduled for February 9–15 in Gaborone, Botswana.

The send-off ceremony was led by the Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), Milton Chebet, alongside sports coordinators Annet Nankya and James Kasumba.

A contingent of ten players, five men and five women will carry the nation's hopes, with experienced shuttler Tracy Naluwooza assuming the role of team captain for the first time.

The team is set to depart for Botswana on Sunday morning via Ethiopian Airlines, aiming to build upon last year's success where the women's team secured a bronze medal in Douala, Cameroon.

In his address, Chebet emphasized the core values of discipline, hard work, and patriotism. "Sport requires discipline and hard work. As athletes, always stay focused and strive for the best whenever you get an opportunity. Patriotism should be key—love your country and always be proud to represent Uganda," he urged the team.

An excited Captain Naluwooza expressed gratitude for the leadership role. "I am glad to be captain for the first time on the senior national team. I will inspire my teammates, and with the experience and training we have undergone, I expect a better performance than last year," she stated.

The women's squad brings significant experience, with the notable absence of Husina Kobugabe due to injury. The team is looking to improve on their 2025 performance, where they won a team silver and qualified for the prestigious Uber Cup Finals in China. Individually, Fadilah Shamika was a standout, earning bronze medals in both women's singles and doubles (partnering with Naluwooza).

Head coach Frank Muwuluzi, also leading the senior team for the first time, expressed optimism. "All the players and I are glad to have Fadilah join the team in time, especially after gaining international exposure in Malaysia where she spent close to two months training," Muwuluzi noted.

To fill the gap left by Kobugabe, Kuruthum Nalumansi of Uganda Christian University has been called up after impressive qualifiers last month. She is slated to partner with Shamika in the women's doubles. Another new face on the women's side is debutant Olivia Nakajja, sister to a former continental champion.

The men's team presents a newer lineup at the senior level, but Coach Muwuluzi remains confident in their potential. "I am optimistic about the rising talent. Arafat Kibirige, Akbar Oduka, and Denis Mukasa have previously featured at the World Junior Championships in China and India, and I believe they will make us proud," he said. The team sees a transition as senior players Amos Muyanja and Augustus Owiny have retired, and Kenneth Comfort Mwambu did not qualify.

A major incentive at the championships is the qualification pathway to global badminton's premier team events. The winners of the men's and women's team competitions will earn the right to represent Africa at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas Cup (men) and Uber Cup (women) Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 26 to May 3, 2026.

Full Team Listing:

Men: Arafat Kibirige, Akbar Oduka, Lubega Muzafaru, Denis Mukasa, Reagan Nsubuga.

Women: Gladys Mbabazi, Tracy Naluwooza (Captain), Shamika Fadilah, Kuruthum Nalumansi, Olivia Nakajja.