It was a case of poor handling by Uganda Badmintion Association

Mar 07, 2016

There was no effort made to market the tournament despite the fact that UBA, the hosts, very well knew its magnitude.

The Uganda International Badminton Open concluded in Kampala last week but with no or little pomp. This is an international tournament that attracted close to 100 participants, with almost half of them foreign entrants.

It is reported that many more withdrew at the last minute following the political uncertainty prevailing in the country at the time.

That a tournament of that magnitude could come to pass almost unnoticed puts question marks on the organisers, the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA).

There was no effort made to market the tournament despite the fact that UBA, the hosts, very well knew its magnitude. Many foreign players would be here to use the event to earn themselves points to make the 2016 Rio Olympics.

That Uganda has the top Africa ranked player in Edwin Ekiring who was also taking part was enough spice to entice sponsors associate with the four day event and also encourage Ugandans to come in big numbers to support our local stars as they also battled to reach Rio.

But like it has been the past, it was once again a one-man show of CEO Simon Mugabi to do everything. No wonder Uganda's top stars Ekiring and Shamim Bangi could not last longer than the second round because Mugabi, who also doubles as the coach, had so many other errands to run.

Even at the closing ceremony, Mugabi cut a lonely figure, although on paper, UBA has a fully-fledged executive that could not spare time for an international engagement like the Uganda International.

Those who accept to take up office should not just enjoy titles associated with the offices: They should also be prepared to carry the tasks going along with the titles.

UBA could have done better on this.

The writer is the Deputy Sports Editor New Vision

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