Badminton
Uganda ended the 2026 Uganda International Badminton Series with four medals as the four-day competition came to a close at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.
The home team collected one silver and three bronze medals in a tournament that brought together players from 14 countries and provided Ugandan shuttlers with a rare opportunity to compete against international opposition on home soil.
Uganda’s strongest finish came in the mixed doubles, where Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mbabazi reached the final and settled for silver after losing to Malaysia’s Hafiz Hakimi Hashim and Lim Xuan.
The other Ugandan medals came in the doubles events. Reagan Michael Nsubuga and Tracy Nalwooza won bronze in mixed doubles, while Gladys Mbabazi and Meble Namakoye also took bronze in the women’s doubles.
The tournament, held from October 1 to 4, attracted players from across Africa, Asia and Europe. India, Malaysia and Algeria were among the countries strongly represented at Lugogo.
Uganda’s decision to host the International Series is part of efforts to develop the sport by giving local players greater exposure to high-level competition. Hosting international events also allows Ugandan athletes to earn valuable world ranking points without the cost of travelling abroad.
The tournament further gave Uganda an opportunity to use the Lugogo Indoor Arena as a major venue for international badminton and to promote the sport among local fans and young players.
With international ranking points and a US$10,000 prize fund on offer, the competition provided additional motivation for players looking to improve their standing on the global badminton circuit.
For Uganda, the four-medal haul was a positive return from a tournament designed not only to crown champions, but also to expose the country's players to stronger international competition.
Uganda Shine with Four Medals at Uganda International Badminton Series
