Uganda’s rising badminton star Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi says her partnership with Tracy Naluwooza has grown stronger and is ready to be tested on the biggest stage yet, the 29th BWF World Championships, set for August 25 to 31, 2025, at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France.
Ranked Africa’s No.1 women’s doubles pair, Shamika and Naluwooza are among only three African representatives at this year’s global showpiece, alongside players from Algeria and Mauritius.
The duo will be guided by national coach William Kabindi, who has overseen weeks of intense preparations ahead of the tournament.
In our conversation with Nnalubaale Sports, reflecting on her journey, Shamika recalled how their partnership was built from competing against each other to becoming Uganda’s strongest duo.
“Before we started playing together, we faced each other a couple of times in both the school and national championships,” Shamika said.
“At this point, we’ve played together enough times and I feel we’ve gathered the experience we need to keep going.”
For the University first-year student, this championship represents another milestone in her fast-rising career.
Last month , she made history by becoming the first Ugandan female to reach the round of 16 at the World University Games, defeating Turkey’s Korkmaz Zeynep before bowing out to the USA’s top seed Ella Lin.
With 383 players from 53 nations expected in Paris, the challenge ahead is immense, but Shamika believes their teamwork gives Uganda a genuine chance to compete against the world’s best.
“We know what’s at stake, but we’re confident and ready to represent Uganda,” she added.
The pair’s campaign in Paris will marks a significant step for Ugandan badminton, as they seek to make history on the global stage.
