The 2026 edition of the Uganda International Badminton Challenge teed off on Wednesday 18th February at the MTN Indoor stadium in Lugogo.
Over 40 countries from different continents across the globe have graced the 2026 championship hosted by Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) in Kampala.
286 players from 40 countries are taking part in this year’s edition and Uganda brought in 50 players while India brought in 80 participates the biggest number of the championship.
The tournament will run from today 18th to 22nd February on Sunday 2025 and expected to attract top players from the world, and will be a great opportunity for fans to see high level badminton.
Participants from the globe will compete in men’s and women’s singles and doubles competitions, as well as mixed doubles and team event.
UBA’s Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi believes the championship will market the hosting nation a lot and expects Ugandan players to benefit from it as collecting points for world championship and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics .
Mugabi says a prize purse of $20,000 and 4,000 world ranking points available to winners across categories.
Some of Uganda’s players include those who are fresh from Botswana for All Africa Badminton senior championship were team Uganda won three individual medals (gold and bronze)from Fadilla Shamika and Tracy Naluwooza , meanwhile, Gladys Mbabazi, Muzafuru Lugega among others say that they have gained experience that will help them perform well in this tournament.
Lubega Muzafuru who is the current number one in Uganda says he got a lot of experience in the concluded All Africa Senior badminton challenge that were held in Botswana last week adding that he is going to use that experience and put in a good performance.
National player Gladys Mbabazi expressed optimism ahead of the tournament.
“We are going to gain much experience, especially playing against top-ranked players in the world. It will help us learn how to manage pressure on court and improve our game,” she said.
She highlighted the team’s recent continental exposure as critical preparation and affirmed their determination to represent Uganda proudly on home soil.
The championship will continue tomorrow with Uganda’s Gold medal win in the concluded all africa badminton senior championships Shamika fadilah Mohammed Rafi playing her uganda international first match in these championships.
Fadilah will be starting in the main draw with Gladys Mbabazi in women singles.
