Mugabi: We want districts to run badminton without Kampala

Badminton Uganda CEO Simon Mugabi says the federation wants to build strong district structures that can run badminton activities without depending on officials from Kampala.

Mugabi was speaking after a two-week Shuttle Time workshop in Busoga that trained 170 teachers from seven districts in badminton, coaching and technical officiating.

The programme covered Namutumba, Buyende, Luuka, Mayuge, Bugweri, Bugiri and Kamuli, with teachers gaining practical skills to introduce the sport in their schools.

“We are finalising our development project, where we have to work on the Shuttle Time programme at Badminton, and then the other part is the technical officials and the coaching part of it,” Mugabi said.

He said the training is intended to equip districts to organise their own competitions, including inter-house, inter-colour and district tournaments, instead of relying on officials from Kampala.

The workshops are part of Badminton Uganda’s nationwide effort to grow the sport from schools by training teachers, coaches and technical officials.

The Busoga training also highlighted badminton’s potential as an inclusive sport.

Grace Mbago, a teacher at St. Paul SS Mbulamuti, said the programme changed her view of the sport.

“I have learned that playing badminton helps. It is a game that enables girls and boys to play together. It is a game that is inclusive,” she said.

Mbago added that learners with disabilities can also participate alongside their peers and pledged to promote the sport at her school.

Fauza Mudondo of Kamuli Progressive College said badminton offers an opportunity for learners with disabilities who have struggled to find sports they can enjoy with others.

“As they come back from their holiday, we are going to involve them, especially students with disabilities, because they have been lacking a game they freely enjoy with others,” she said.

Lamek Gabula of Masadi Seed School said the workshop gave teachers skills they had previously lacked.

“Very many skills have been acquired here,” he said, adding that he would introduce more students to badminton and encourage his school to invest in the sport.

After Busoga, Badminton Uganda will take the programme to Bunyoro, where it plans to work with about nine districts.

The federation hopes the regional approach will strengthen grassroots badminton, increase school participation and create more opportunities for girls, boys and learners with disabilities.