The 2025 Uganda International Series got underway Thursday at Lugogo Indoor Arena, bringing together 112 players from 13 nations for four days of top-level badminton.
Uganda, fielding a larger squad of 59 players compared to last week’s 46 at the Kampala International Future Series, is aiming to turn experience into medals.
Leading the charge is Kenneth Mwambu, confident the team can improve on its seven-bronze tally from the previous event.
“Last week’s tournament helped us prepare for this one,” Mwambu said.
“We’re hoping for better results this time. Playing back-to-back events for nearly a month has kept us sharp.”
For Mwambu, the push goes beyond immediate medals. He sees the packed schedule as part of a bigger journey.
“This continuous competition helps us stay fit for the long term, especially as we work toward the 2028 Olympics. By the end of the year, I believe we’ll be in good shape to start the 2026 season strong,” he added.
That drive is echoed by rising star Fadilah Shamika, who reached the quarterfinals last week and wants to go deeper this time.
“I hope to reach the semifinals or even finals,” she said. “I’ve trained hard, and I know some of the West African players I’ll face. I’m eager to put on a good show.”
The tournament has drawn players from Germany, the UAE, India, Iran, Cameroon, the Cook Islands, and more.
With matches running through to Sunday across singles, doubles and mixed doubles, Uganda will be hoping home advantage turns ambition into silverware.
