Uganda Para Badminton International serves off With 30 Ugandans in action

The 2025 Uganda Para Badminton International tournament officially rolled off this morning, with 30 Ugandan athletes competing on home soil.

Uganda’s top seed, Sarah Nazziwa, got off to a strong start in the mixed doubles, teaming up with Ammu Mohan to defeat fellow Ugandans Jenifer Bumali and Sylivia Nakanda 2-0 in the Wheelchair 1 category.

In the men’s singles (SL4 category), Julius Obura overcame compatriot Charles Kalega Kizza with a 2-0 victory, while Hassan Mubiru also secured a 2-0 win against Latif Ngobi, another Ugandan.

In the women’s singles, Elizabeth Mwesigwa defeated fellow Ugandan Merida Nakaima in straight sets. However, Uganda’s Harriet Nakayima fell to Peru’s Jenny Bertha, also in straight sets.

Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) CEO Simon Mugabi reported that the tournament is progressing smoothly and is set to conclude on Sunday, July 6.

Mugabi, however, noted that last-minute withdrawals from several countries affected the initial turnout, reducing total entries from 143 to 85.

“Despite the reduced numbers, we are confident that players are getting quality competition. We’ve adjusted some events to round-robin format, and we’re glad to see players enjoying the games,” Mugabi said.

Uganda initially registered 50 players, but only 30 are actively participating. Some missed the early morning matches, while a group from Mubende Army Barracks was delayed.

Participating African nations include South Africa, Cameroon, DR Congo, and hosts Uganda. Nigeria, Egypt, and Ivory Coast withdrew from the tournament due to financial constraints.

Day 1 Results

Men

Julius Obura bt Charles Kalega Kizza 2-0 (21-14, 21-8)

Godfrey Katalo bt Richard Ayella (W/O)

Hassan Mubiru bt Latif Ngobi 2-0 (21-9, 21-18)

Karan Paneer (IND) bt Sinan Asf (UAE) 2-1 (21-11, 16-21, 21-14)

Women:

Elizabeth Mwesigwa bt Merinda Nakaima 2-0 (21-1, 21-6)

Jenny Bertha (PER) bt Harriet Nakaima 2-0 (21-4, 21-4)