The 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge has been launched, setting the stage for one of the biggest badminton events ever held in the country.
The launch of this 22nd Edition happened at City Tyres headquarters in Industrial Area signaled Uganda’s readiness to host a five-day tournament that runs from February 18 to 22.
Qualifiers begin tomorrow, with men’s singles, women’s singles and mixed doubles taking center stage as players fight for places in the main draw.
The tournament comes at an important moment for the national team, which recently competed in Gaborone at the All Africa Badminton Championship. While the team’s overall results were modest, individuals stood out.
Fadillah Shamika won gold in women’s singles and added a bronze in women’s doubles alongside Tracy Naluwooza.
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The pair is expected back in the country on Wednesday morning, boosting excitement ahead of the Challenge.
“The pair will not take part in qualification stage of the Uganda International Badminton Challenge but in the main draw” stated Uganda Badminton Association CEO Simon Mugabi
Their success offers hope that Uganda can carry that momentum into a tournament expected to deliver stiff competition.
Simon Mugabi also confirmed that 456 foreign players have entered the event, with 41 countries, including Uganda, India, Switzerland, Israel, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, Hungary, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, United States, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia, Malaysia, Italy, Peru, Norway, Japan, Ireland, Canada, Portugal, Qatar, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, South Africa, Poland, Bulgaria, Nigeria, all set to compete
Four courts will be used throughout the week to handle the packed schedule.
Uganda has registered 59 players, though participation will depend on rankings and eligibility.
A total prize purse of $20,000 is up for grabs. In singles, players from the quarterfinal stage onward, including winners and runners-up will earn prize money. In doubles, pairs that reach the semifinals will also receive rewards.
Herbert Bashasha, Public Relations Officer at City Tyres, praised the Uganda Badminton Association for organizing the event and attracting world-class competition.
Beyond the medals and prize money, the tournament offers Uganda valuable exposure on the international stage and a chance for local players to test themselves against elite opposition.
