Nigeria emerged as the most important winner on the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International, whereas Uganda loved considered one of its most profitable performances on dwelling soil because the six-day match concluded on the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala.
Held from July 7 to July 12, the worldwide championship attracted athletes from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, Kenya and Israel, after the unique listing of 17 taking part international locations was lowered following issues surrounding the Ebola outbreak. Despite the smaller subject, the competitors delivered thrilling matches, high-quality performances and invaluable Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rating factors for taking part athletes.
Nigeria as soon as once more underlined its standing as considered one of Africa’s para badminton powerhouses by claiming a number of of the match’s greatest titles throughout each singles and doubles competitions.
Among the standout performers was Ifeanao Emmanuel, who loved a exceptional championship by successful the Men’s WH2 singles title, partnering with Brown to seize the WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles gold medal, and ending with silver within the WH doubles competitors.
Speaking after his profitable marketing campaign, Ifeanao praised Uganda for efficiently internet hosting the match regardless of issues surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
“I gained two gold medals and one silver. I need to recognize the individuals who sponsored this programme. We got here, we noticed and we conquered. There isn’t any Ebola in Uganda,” he mentioned whereas thanking each Uganda and his sponsors again dwelling in Nigeria.
Compatriot Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna additionally loved an excellent match, successful the Men’s SL4 singles title after upgrading from the bronze medal he gained throughout his earlier look in Uganda.
Nnanna attributed his success to years of constant coaching and expertise gained on the worldwide stage.
“I’ve been enjoying for six to seven years now and coaching persistently. I attended the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and that has pushed me to this stage,” he defined.
Although fewer international locations attended this yr’s match due to Ebola-related withdrawals, he famous that the competitors remained extremely aggressive.
Nigeria additionally collected a number of different titles, together with the Men’s SL3 singles, Women’s WH1+WH2 singles, the SL3-SU5 doubles, and a number of podium finishes all through the championship, reinforcing the nation’s dominance on the occasion.
While Nigeria topped most of the main classes, Uganda produced an equally encouraging marketing campaign by gathering greater than 15 medals throughout the match.
Among the house staff’s standout performers was Brian Mugabe, who captured the Men’s WH1 singles gold medal earlier than teaming up with Rwanda’s Jean D’Amour Ndahiro to win the WH1-WH2 doubles title. Mugabe additionally featured within the combined doubles competitors alongside Brenda Nabukenya, ending fourth.
Uganda additionally celebrated success within the ladies’s standing occasions. Harriet Nakayima gained the Women’s SL4 singles title, whereas Elizabeth Mwesigwa claimed the Women’s SL3 Exhibition title, defeating compatriot Resty Nangobi Kalembe within the closing.
The hosts continued to shine in doubles competitors as Hassan Mubiru and Resty Nangobi Kalembe secured the SL3-SU5 Mixed Doubles title, whereas Julius Obura and Harriet Nakayima earned silver. Uganda additionally claimed extra podium finishes by way of Godfrey Katalo and Latifu Ngobi, Hassan Mubiru and Julius Obura, and David Mukisa and Sumin Mutesi.
Other notable Ugandan medalists included:
- Sumin Mutesi – Silver (Women’s SL4+SU5)
- Sarah Nazziwa – Silver (Women’s WH1)
- Brenda Nabukenya – Silver (Women’s WH2)
- Jonathan Ochan – Silver (Men’s SU5)
- Hassan Mubiru – Silver (Men’s SL4)
- Flavia Basuuta – Bronze (Women’s WH1)
- Pamela Banura – Bronze (Women’s WH2)
- Ritah Asiimwe – Bronze (Women’s SU5)
- David Mukisa and Godfrey Katalo – Bronze (Men’s SL3)
- Latifu Ngobi and Julius Obura – Bronze (Men’s SL4).
One of Uganda’s most inspiring tales got here from Tokyo 2020 Paralympian Ritah Asiimwe, who returned to worldwide competitors after almost two years away from the game.
Asiimwe marked her comeback by successful bronze within the Women’s SU5 singles earlier than partnering to say gold within the SL3-SU5 doubles, describing the achievement as proof that persistence all the time pays off.
“This yr’s match has actually been a problem as a result of I had not performed for 2 years, however I’m completely satisfied I managed to get these medals. With extra observe and persistence, you possibly can all the time obtain the outcomes you propose for,” she mentioned.
Beyond the medals, the Uganda Para Badminton International strengthened Uganda’s rising status as a vacation spot able to internet hosting main worldwide para sporting occasions.
Badminton Uganda Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi mentioned the match had achieved its aims regardless of attracting fewer international locations than initially anticipated due to the Ebola state of affairs.
“Ugandan gamers had an opportunity of successful many medals. I feel we have now greater than 15 medals that they’ve at this time. It has been good for our gamers as a result of, in addition to successful medals, they’ve additionally earned world rating factors,” Mugabi mentioned.
He added that athletes appreciated the chance to compete for invaluable world rating factors and inspired gamers to register for the upcoming second version of the Kabaka’s Coronation Tournament scheduled for this week, 14 – 19th at CFK badminton stadium.
Despite the unavoidable discount in taking part nations, the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International proved to be a profitable championship, showcasing resilience, excellent performances and the continued progress of para badminton throughout Africa. For Uganda, the spectacular medal haul and invaluable world rating factors present recent momentum because the nation’s para badminton athletes proceed their rise on the worldwide stage.
