Teso region joins national badminton grassroots development programme

With the aim of expanding badminton to the lower local levels of sport, the Teso region has become the latest sub-region in Uganda to benefit from a nationwide badminton grassroots development programme.

The badminton workshop, conducted in the Teso districts of Ngora, Kumi, and Bukedea, marks the second phase of a broader effort to spread the sport across the country, targeting schools, teachers, students, and local communities.

Simon Mugabi, Chief Executive Officer of Badminton Uganda, addressed participants at Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial Secondary School in Kumi district. He emphasized that the long-term vision is to take badminton beyond urban centers and embed it within rural communities.

With participation from teachers representing over 15 schools, the training workshop focused on equipping educators with the technical and practical knowledge needed to introduce and sustain badminton in their respective institutions.

"We are looking at a holistic approach," Mugabi noted. "Teachers, students, and the community all play a role. When teachers are empowered, they pass on these skills, and that is how the sport grows."

"This is a great opportunity to make the game popular. It is also another way of diversifying sports instead of relying on traditional sports alone," said Joseph Opio Ekodeu, Kumi District Sports Officer.

According to Opio, the skills attained by the games teachers and students will help grow the sport, as they have learned essential techniques like forehand and backhand, movement, and positioning. "I'm excited to pass this on to my students," he added.

The two-day workshop allocated to each local government saw participants receive both theoretical and hands-on training, covering fundamental techniques such as racket handling, footwork, serving, and offensive and defensive play. For many participants, it was their first structured exposure to badminton coaching.

Simon Ekabot, head teacher of Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial Secondary School, which hosted the training, highlighted the impact of the workshop, especially for promoting students' participation in sports.

"I have already alerted the games teachers at my school who have received this knowledge not to sit down but to exercise the knowledge obtained to expand the sport," he said.

James Odeke, student head prefect, shared his ambitions after attending the workshop. "I've learned serving, attacking, and defensive formations. I want to continue improving. When more workshops like this are organized, the whole country will have this game at hand, and Uganda's flag will fly high."

Participants were drawn from schools and communities across Teso, underlining the Uganda Badminton Association's (UBA) determination to ensure nationwide access to badminton education.

Historically, the Teso region has never presented a team at national school competitions and has had limited participation. However, with trained teachers and growing student interest, that is expected to change.