Para Badminton: Uganda falls short of gold but claims podium
For Uganda, Elizabeth Mwesigwa stood out, claiming two silver medals in the Standing Lower 3 (SL3) category—one in women’s singles and another in doubles alongside Sumini Mutesi.
Uganda para badminton players Julius Obura (right) and Hassan Mubiru win bronze medals in the standing lower 3 category. Renzo Diques (second left) of Peru won gold as Subhirajeet Maharana of India won silver July 6, 2025. (Photos by Silvano Kibuuka)
By Silvano Kibuuka
Journalists @New Vision
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India dominated the 8th Uganda Para Badminton Tournament held at Lugogo Indoor Arena, sweeping medals across all levels to claim top spot, while Uganda finished a respectable third overall.
India fielded a strong team of 21 athletes across five para badminton categories, displaying superior stamina, experience and tactical prowess. Their athletes dominated the final rounds, particularly against Peru.
For Uganda, Elizabeth Mwesigwa stood out, claiming two silver medals in the Standing Lower 3 (SL3) category—one in women’s singles and another in doubles alongside Sumini Mutesi.
Sarah Nazziwa successfully defended her silver medal in the Wheelchair 1 women’s singles category and also secured two bronze medals in doubles and mixed doubles, where she partnered with Indian and Peruvian players.
Mutesi added a silver and a bronze to her name, while Merida Nakaima, Mary Namunoga, Harrit Nakayima, and Sylvia Nakanda also claimed bronze medals in various women's events.
In the men’s categories, Hassan Mubiru bagged two bronze medals, while Julius Obura took home one.
Nazziwa, who also serves as Uganda’s team assistant captain, described the competition as intense despite some countries withdrawing.
“We met new faces, especially from India and Peru. They were more exposed than many of us and had better wheelchairs,” said Nazziwa.
India’s team manager, Venkata Murali, said their success came as no surprise, noting badminton’s widespread popularity in India.
Uganda Para Badminton team interact with NCS official and Badminton Ugadna officials after three silver and seven bronze medals at the 2025 Uganda Para Badminton International at Lugogo July 6, 2025. 
“Every state, school, and community has badminton. We have many trained coaches and facilities for both able-bodied and para-athletes. Other countries should emulate us and bring in coaches from India,” he said.
Simon Mugabi, CEO of Badminton Uganda (BU), praised the athletes and participating nations for honouring the event, along with the over 15 sponsors who made it possible.
“Without sponsors, we would not be able to bring smiles to these athletes’ faces. I also thank the Ugandan players, because this tournament is not for the national team and therefore not facilitated by the government,” said Mugabi.
He added that, funding permitting, Uganda plans to participate in the Nigeria International and Africa Para Championship set for October in Abia State, Nigeria.
Sarah Chelangat, an official from the National Council of Sports (NCS), commended BU for successfully hosting the event and reiterated that para badminton remains a priority sport in Uganda.
The one-week tournament attracted participants from South Africa, Cameroon, DR Congo, Peru, India, Sweden, Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, and Uganda.
Para Badminton Medal Winners 2025
Country Gold Silver Bronze
1. India 8 6 10
2. Peru 3 2 0
3. Uganda 0 3 7
4. DR Congo 0 0 1