Nakamya re-elected to lead Badminton Uganda

Badminton Uganda chairperson, Annet Nakakya Nakamya, has been re-elected to lead the association for another four-year term.

The former national player, who completed her first term as chairperson since 2021, was unopposed during the elective general assembly held at the Choate Restaurant, Kampala Club, on Saturday. She pledged a brighter future for the sport and its stakeholders.

The assembly, attended by delegates from 29 clubs and other interest groups, approved a budget of sh1.626 billion—although members noted that the amount could increase due to undervalued items.

Nakamya urged the new executive committee and other stakeholders to intensify their efforts to comply with the requirements of the new sports law.

“We shall soon have an extra general assembly to prepare before the deadline of June 30. We also need to see how the association clears the financial deficit of close to sh85 million,” Nakamya said.

She thanked all the companies and individuals who have supported badminton over the years and reported on the success Ugandan players have achieved in international events since 2021.

“It is not easy but our players have won gold, silver and bronze medals in the senior and schools’ categories and we are happy. We want to double the achievement in the new regime,” she added.

According to CEO Simon Mugabi, most of the association's debts were incurred through travel expenses for players striving to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The elections, presided over by Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) marketing official Joseph Semanda, saw all executive members return unopposed. These include vice president Haji Mohammed Ali Serugo, general secretary Ivan Karimunda and his assistant Joshua Muguluma, and treasurer Haji Jamil Buwembo.

Committee members Gilbert Ofuyuru, Davis Karashani, Steven Mubaaya and Joseph Kamagara were also returned unopposed.

Muguluma, a sports teacher at Kibuli Secondary School, pledged to promote career guidance among secondary school pupils to ensure continuity in the sport at university and higher education levels.

“Most players developed in schools like Kibuli, Mbogo High, Kakungulu, Kinaawa and others drop the game after S6. My task will be to see that they continue with the career,” Muguluma said.

CFK Badminton Academy and Mwesigwa Inclusive Sports Club were also inducted as new members of the association.

National Council of Sports (NCS) official James Kasumba commended badminton for marketing Uganda through international competitions, which attract more than 30 countries to compete in a single event.