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The 2025 Uganda Juniors International has brought excitement to the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, where over 20 Ugandan badminton players have surged into the quarterfinals, aiming to secure vital points for qualification to the 2026 Youth Olympics.
Since the tournament began on Monday, February 24, Uganda’s young stars have been impressively dominating the courts, advancing in multiple categories. However, the Women’s Singles event proved challenging, with all seven Ugandan representatives exiting in the round of 16.
One of the biggest highlights for Team Uganda has come in the Women’s Doubles, where the country is already guaranteed a spot in the semifinals and at least a bronze medal. Two Ugandan pairs, Brenda Namanya and Victoria Brighton Namubiru, and Rebecca Ijuka and Claire Namirembe, will face off in what promises to be an exciting all-Uganda clash.
Uganda’s strong showing in this category is further underscored by the fact that five Ugandan pairs are present in the Women’s Doubles quarterfinals, showcasing the nation’s growing strength in the sport.
In the Men’s Doubles, Uganda’s presence remains undeniable, with at least one Ugandan pair featuring in each of the quarterfinal matchups. The teams of Tendo Mukalazi and Rahim Nsubuga, Owen Kirumira and Adam Mwebe, Denis Mukasa and Aslam Oduka, and Aaron Ndawula and Eric Ofoyuru have all reached this stage, with thrilling matchups against teams from Azerbaijan, India, and the UAE set to unfold.
Uganda’s strong showing at this year’s Uganda Junior International extends to the Mixed Doubles quarterfinals, with three homegrown duos vying for spots in the semifinals:
- Aaron Ndawula and Olivia Betty Kyomukama vs. Amer Mohammed and Nabiha Shariff (UAE)
- Denis Mukasa and Sudharshini Dhulupudi vs. Amirkhan Imanov and Hajar Nuriyeva (Azerbaijan)
- Batham Kaweesa and Joan Kimberley Ssendiwala vs. Ulvi Huseynov and Layla Jamalzade (Azerbaijan)
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As the competition intensifies, Uganda’s young shuttlers are eager to deliver their best performances to secure not only medals but also critical ranking points toward the 2026 Youth Olympics.
Among all Ugandan players, Denis Mukasa has emerged as the standout performer. He has reached the quarterfinals in three categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Mukasa’s journey has included a remarkable straight-set victory (21-12, 21-15) over Mauritius’ third seed, Tejas Savor, and his momentum is expected to continue as the competition advances.
Joining Mukasa in the Men’s Singles quarterfinals is Ahmed Malik Juma, who pulled off a stunning upset against Rayan Almukhimer from the UAE with a dominant 2-0 win.
The quarterfinals are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 25, starting at 9 AM. Ugandan players will compete against opponents from India, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Mauritius, and the UAE, with only seven of the 16 quarterfinal matches not featuring a Ugandan player, highlighting the country’s impressive presence in the tournament.
Key quarterfinal matches at this year’s Uganda Junior International featuring Ugandan players:
Men’s Singles
- Denis Mukasa vs. Ulvi Huseynov (Azerbaijan)
- Ahmed Malik Juma vs. Singh Sal Bala Gopinath (India)
Women’s Doubles
- Sharuwa Kanyeihamba & Thara Nagujja vs. Leyla Jamalzade & Hajar Nuriyeva (Azerbaijan)
- Brenda Namanya & Victoria Brighton Namubiru vs. Rebecca Ijuka & Claire Namirembe (Uganda)
- Ramiah Bukenya & Musa Maliha vs. Farida Firky Eitaweei & Nour Firky Eitaweei (Egypt)
- Sharifah Mbabazi & Verona Sadat Razavipour vs. Tiya Bhurtun & Layna Luxmi Chiniah (Mauritius)
Men’s Doubles
- Tendo Mukalazi & Rahim Nsubuga vs. Ulvi Huseynov & Amirkhan Inmanov (Azerbaijan)
- Owen Kirumira & Adam Mwebe vs. Sachin Jhajharia & Angad Muchhal (India)
- Denis Mukasa & Aslam Oduka vs. Gokul Kaviarasu & Vishank Surender (India)
- Aaron Ndawula & Eric Ofoyuru vs. Alwathiq Alabidi & Abdul Aziz Almuqahwi (UAE)
As the 2025 Uganda Juniors International heats up, the country’s shuttlers have made a bold statement. All eyes will be on the quarterfinals as the Ugandan contingent strives to secure crucial ranking points and push closer to a spot at the 2026 Youth Olympics.
