Uganda’s build-up to the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships took a decisive step forward over the weekend as the national trials concluded at the Lugogo Arena, shedding light on a team navigating change while searching for renewed momentum.
Held from January 9 to 11, the three-day trials brought together more than 20 players from across the country, all competing for national ranking and a chance to force their way into contention ahead of the continental championships in Botswana next month.
Beyond selection, the exercise was primarily aimed at properly seeding Uganda’s players as the federation plans for an intense international window.
The numbers, however, fell short of the initial expectations. A total of 37 players, 16 women and 21 men had been summoned, but several familiar names were missing.
Women’s singles ace Husina Kobugabe was sidelined by injury, Tracy Naluwooza was ruled out due to illness, while Shamika Fadilah is currently out of the country attending a specialised training camp. Natasha Rajab, who is currently in Bangkok, was also unavailable.
While the absences were notable, they opened the door for emerging players, particularly in the women’s category, to make a strong impression.
With competition tightening, the trials offered younger shuttlers a rare opportunity to stake a claim as Uganda looks to maintain its standing on the African stage.
According to the selection framework, the top six players in each category remain in national team contention, with the top three women set to join the established core led by Naluwooza once she returns to fitness.
The men’s category, meanwhile, reflected a period of transition. Uganda has recently lost a significant portion of its experienced core, with Brian Kasirye, Emuddu Expendito and Agustus Owiny all leaving the country, while Amos Muyanja has stepped away from competitive badminton altogether.
Their departure has left a clear vacuum, one the trials were designed to begin addressing.
For now, leadership in the men’s team rests with Lubega Muzafaru and Kenneth Mwambu, the two most senior players currently active.
They are expected to anchor a refreshed squad, with several promising players from the trials set to step up and strengthen the national team setup.
With the trials complete, attention now turns to Botswana, where Uganda will compete at the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in February.
That campaign will be followed almost immediately by the Uganda International Badminton Challenge, scheduled for the same month at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, giving home fans a chance to see the national team tested on familiar courts.
