The second edition of Uganda Badminton League should be a must watch for all Uganda badminton lovers with many new clubs coming on board and star signings.
This year’s league welcomes a new force: the Dream Club. This team boasts a strong presence of para-badminton players, making them a true “club of hope” for the sport’s growth in Uganda.
Fans of para-badminton will be familiar with many faces on Dream Club. Seasoned player Elizabeth Mwesigwa, who began her para-badminton journey in 2017, leads a roster that includes Hasina Mubiru, Tokyo Paralympian Rita Asiimwe, and manager/player Julius Obura.
Other para-badminton players include Ochan Jonathan, Sumin Mutesi, Kalembe Nangobi Resty and Mukisa Davis.
Dream Club missed out on last year’s league, but they’re making a powerful debut this season. Their first match unfortunately resulted in a 0-5 defeat to State House Badminton Club – themselves bolstered by strong signings like Mark Sekyondwa and Meble Namakoye.
More Than Just Winning: Dream Club Champions Para-Badminton Integration
Despite the loss, Dream Club manager Julius Obura revealed to Nnalubaale Sports that their mission is promoting para-badminton by competing in the able-bodied league.
“We’re competing with faster able-bodied players, but we’ve identified teams we can beat. We don’t want to finish last,” Obura adds.
Dream club’s ideal scenario would include Africa’s number one wheelchair player and world number 16, Nazziwa Sarah. However, wheelchair participation is currently restricted in the league.
“We, the wheelchair players, also want a league like the other para badminton players,” Nazziwa asserts. While disappointed about being excluded, she expresses faith in Dream Club’s potential for success citing lack of training as the reason for the Club’s first defeat.
Mwesigwa Sees Opportunity for Para-Badminton Growth
Elizabeth Mwesigwa, known for playing with able-bodied athletes, highlights a positive aspect of Dream Club’s inclusion.
Previously, many able-bodied players were hesitant to train with para-badminton players. Dream Club’s presence allows for “free” training and competition for para-athletes.
National Coach and UBA President See Potential in Para-Badminton Integration
Uganda’s national para-badminton coach, Senyondwa Mark, believes Dream Club’s participation will streamline training as players remain active throughout the league. Little polishing will be neded once the para badminton events come their way.
While talking to this website, Annet Nakamya – president of the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA), acknowledges the challenges but sees the potential.
“This is a learning opportunity for all players to learn from each other, especially para-badminton athletes,” Nakamya states. “With funding, we’d love to include wheelchair players, but our current budget is limited.”
Challenges of Managing Para-Badminton Clubs
Transportation to match venues remains a significant hurdle for wheelchair players, and hosting para-badminton events requires additional budgeting for accessibility considerations.
The playing courts for these players are arranged differently and the organiser needs to have enough playing space for them or to have their league separate from the able bodied. Limited wheelchair availability can also restrict participation.
For Uganda to cultivate strong para-badminton clubs like Dream Club, financial support from the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC), led by Mpindi Bumali, is crucial.
Photo Credit: Kakeeto Gonzaga
