For Olivia Nakajja, the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships mark more than another competition.
They are a long awaited breakthrough and a chance to finally represent Uganda on the continent’s biggest stage.
“This is my first time playing at the All Africa Championships,” Nakajja said.
“I’ve played qualifiers many times and fallen short. This time I qualified, and it means a lot to represent my country for the first time.”
Uganda is in the final stretch of preparations for the championships, set for February 9–15 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The 10 player squad, five men and five women is in residential camp at CFK Academy in Kisaasi, fine tuning for what is expected to be a demanding tournament.
Nakajja says the camp has tested her body and mind, but also strengthened her confidence.
“I’ve given it my best on and off the court training, endurance, and working with my partners,” she said.
“We’ve learned a lot from each other. I’m hopeful going into this tournament.”
Head coach Frank Muwuluzi has put the team through a high intensity programme aimed at matching Africa’s elite. Players say the focus has been on tactical sharpness and mental readiness.
The men’s team is led by Uganda’s top seed Lubega Muzafaru, alongside Reagan Michael Nsubuga, Tendo Arafat Kibirige, Oduka Akbar, and Mukasa Denis.
On the women’s side, Nakajja will team up with Tracy Naluwooza, Gladys Mbabazi, Kruthum Nalumansi and Fadilah Shamika, who remains part of the squad despite being out of the country.
Uganda travels with confidence after last year’s championships in Cameroon, where Shamika won bronze in women’s singles and another bronze in women’s doubles with Naluwooza.
Nakajja also draws inspiration from home. In 2023, her brother Kasirye Brian represented Uganda at the All Africa Championships in South Africa, winning team gold and singles silver.
“I’m following in my brother’s footsteps,” she said. “Right now, I’m the one available to represent the country, and I want to do my best.”
With most of her siblings no longer playing, Nakajja feels a deep sense of responsibility. “I’m carrying the flag for Uganda and for my family,” she said. “I won’t let it fall.”
As the team prepares to depart for Botswana, Nakajja’s resolve mirrors the mood in camp focused, confident, and hungry for success.
“I’m standing strong for my family,” she said. “And we believe we can bring gold back to Uganda.”
