Badminton Uganda has successfully concluded the first phase of its Shuttle Time grassroots programme in the Busoga region, equipping over 170 teachers from seven districts with skills to introduce and promote badminton in schools. The initiative aims to strengthen the sport at grassroots level and create more opportunities for young people to participate in badminton.
The two-week training workshop, held in Kamuli District, attracted teachers from Namutumba, Buyende, Luuka, Mayuge, Bugweri, Bugiri and Kamuli districts. The initiative aimed to strengthen teachers’ knowledge of badminton by providing them with essential coaching and officiating skills. This will enable schools to establish and promote badminton programmes that can continue to operate independently with limited external support.
The programme focused on building the capacity of teachers to coach, officiate and organise badminton activities within their respective schools. By equipping teachers with practical skills and knowledge, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable foundation for the growth of badminton among learners across the participating districts.
The workshop is part of efforts to expand badminton at the grassroots level by empowering teachers to serve as coaches and officials in schools. Through the skills acquired, participating teachers are expected to nurture young talent, organise school competitions and contribute to the long-term development of the sport without relying entirely on support from the national federation.
According to Badminton Uganda Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi, the initiative is also focused on promoting Air Badminton and strengthening the capacity of technical officials across the country.
“The Shuttle Time programme is looking at the development of Air Badminton, teaching skills to technical officials such that they can handle their tournaments and programmes. Even if the national organisation is not on the ground, they can still carry on,” Mugabi said.
He described the completion of the Busoga phase as another milestone in the federation’s nationwide grassroots development drive.
“We have completed this region and we are going to continue with our programme. The next stop is Bunyoro region,” he said.
The training has received positive feedback from participants, many of whom pledged to pass on the knowledge and skills acquired to their learners when schools reopen.
Gabula Lamech, one of the participants, said the workshop introduced him to several aspects of badminton that he had previously not understood.
“It is very interesting. Much of what we didn’t know has been taught to us. When I go back to my school, I will be teaching my learners so that they also pick interest in badminton,” Gabula said.
Fauza, a games teacher at Kamuli Progressive College-Mulondo, highlighted the inclusive nature of badminton, saying the sport provides an opportunity for both boys and girls, including learners with disabilities, to participate.
“The good thing about this workshop is that it involves both boys and girls, and even students with disabilities can enjoy the game. As they come back from holidays, we are going to involve them, especially students with disabilities, because they have been lacking a game they can freely enjoy with others,” Fauza said.
With the Busoga phase now complete, Badminton Uganda will shift its attention to the Bunyoro region as it continues to roll out the Shuttle Time programme across the country.
The federation expects the training to create a broader network of school-based badminton coaches and officials, helping increase participation at grassroots level and strengthen the sport’s development pathway in Uganda.
