“I want to engage more with teammates and also mentor upcoming players,” Gladys Mbabazi said, setting the tone for a season she sees as both a return and a responsibility.
The National Badminton League served off at Lugogo Indoor Arena over the weekend, opening its third edition with energy, ambition, and a new headline act SR KUKU.
For Gladys Mbabazi, a senior national team figure back from international training, the season is about more than competition.
It is about leadership, sharing experience, and helping shape the next generation while still delivering on court.
Her presence has already given SR KUKU a stronger identity. The debutants arrived with intent and immediately made an impact, sweeping Ndejje University 5-0 and KBC 5-0 in statement wins that underlined their ambitions.
The team is built around quality and experience. Alongside Mbabazi is Shamika Fadilah, Africa’s top-ranked female seed, Olivia Nakajja and veteran Kenneth Mwambu, giving SR KUKU both skill and stability.
Mbabazi, however, remains the human face of that project, balancing winning with mentorship.
The Uganda Badminton Federation welcomed the league’s return. President Annet Nakamya said the competition is key in tracking player development and strengthening domestic standards.
She also confirmed a school league will start in June, with Seroma Christian High School set to host the first edition, widening the sport’s reach to younger players.
On the court, opening day produced clear winners.
In the Super League, SR KUKU stood out with their dominant wins, while Mbogo High Warriors also impressed, beating Seroma Christian High School and Ndejje University 5-0.
Seroma Christian High School edged Sharing Youth Badminton Club 3-2 in a tight contest.
In the Corporate League, State House beat Equity Bank 4-1. SR KUKU Corporate matched the form of their main side with a 5-0 win over Baryan BC and a 4-1 result against Equity Bank.
Dream Team beat KBC 5-0 and Baryan BC 4-1 but lost heavily to Equity Bank.
