Seven Ugandan para-badminton players have powered into the semi-finals of the 2025 Uganda Para Badminton International Tournament, keeping the nation’s medal hopes alive in front of a home crowd at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
In a field of over 100 players from 10 countries, Uganda began with a 15-player squad. Now, only seven remain and they’re not backing down.
Julius Obura leads the charge in the Men’s Singles Standing Lower 4 category. Sumini Mutesi has impressed across the board, reaching the semi-finals in both Women’s Singles Standing Top 5 and Women’s Doubles Standing, where she teams up with Elizabeth Mwesigwa. Mwesigwa has also advanced in the Doubles Standing Lower 3 and Upper 5 category.
Juliet Mary Namunoga and Nakayima Birungi both made the cut in Women’s Singles Standing Lower 3, while seasoned campaigner Hassan Mubiru is still in the hunt in Men’s Singles Standing Lower 4.
Uganda’s progress has come against the odds. While other teams arrived with high-end equipment, professional coaches, and customized wheelchairs, many of Uganda’s players train without coaches, borrow gear, and fight for court time. Yet their determination has carried them through.
“We may not have the best equipment or big teams behind us, but we have heart,” said one of the semi-finalists.
The tournament, which wraps up Sunday, July 6, offers ranking points and a rare chance for local players to shine on home soil.
