By 
The All Africa Senior Badminton Championships concluded on Sunday, February 16, at Japoma Gymnasium in Douala, Cameroon.
Uganda showcased an impressive performance, securing three bronze medals in the individual categories.
With a team of eight athletes, Uganda made a strong showing, particularly in the women’s singles and doubles categories.
Under the guidance of coach Ivan Karimunda, the team demonstrated resilience and skill but managed to only go far in the individuals.
In the women’s singles category, Husina Kobugabe and Fadilah Shamika claimed two bronze medals.
L-R: Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi and Husina Kobugabe
Kobugabe reached the semifinal stage but fell to Egyptian Nour Ahmed Youssri in straight sets (21-12, 21-11), settling for bronze.
Similarly, Fadilah Shamika put up a commendable fight but was defeated by Egypt’s Doha Hany, earning another bronze medal for Uganda.
The third medal for Uganda came in the women’s doubles event, thanks to the formidable duo of Tracy Naluwooza and Fadilah Shamika Mohammed Rafi.
L-R: Tracy Naluwooza and Shamika Fadilah Mohamed Rafi
The pair advanced to the semifinals after overcoming Egypt’s Nour Ahmed Youssri and Fatema Rabie in the quarterfinals.
However, they were halted by South Africa’s Amy Ackerman and Joanita Scholtz, losing 21-15, 21-10, and ultimately securing bronze.
Despite their success in the individual categories, Uganda faced challenges in the team competition.
The squad started strong with a victory over Reunion but later fell to the dominant teams of South Africa and Egypt, ending their team championship journey earlier than hoped.
In the team category, Algeria emerged as the overall champions, defeating Mauritania to claim the title.
Uganda’s performance at the championships highlights the country’s growing presence in African badminton as it prepares for the Uganda International Badminton Challenge slated for this month in Kampala, Uganda.
