A quiet sporting revolution is taking shape across Eastern Uganda as Badminton Uganda continues its mission to grow the game at the grassroots.
Over the past two weeks, the federation has successfully concluded an intensive Shuttle Time workshop campaign across the Teso sub-region and parts of Busoga, leaving behind a trail of excitement, knowledge, and renewed sporting ambition.
Held between March 28 and April 9, the campaign reached seven districts in Teso and Bukedi, including Ngora, Kumi, Bukedea, Pallisa, as well as Butaleja and Butebo, before extending into Busoga with a strong finish in Kaliro.
By the close of the workshops, more than 150 schools had been engaged, with teachers and students alike introduced to the fundamentals of badminton.
At the heart of this initiative is Simon Mugabi, the CEO of the Uganda Badminton Federation, who described the campaign as a major step toward awakening a sport that had long remained dormant in many of these regions.
“We have covered seven districts, and over 150 schools have participated,” Mugabi noted during the final session at Kaliro Vocational Secondary School. “This is a strong foundation. We believe many students are now going to learn, play, and even compete as the sport grows across the regions.”
The workshops were designed not just to introduce badminton, but to equip teachers with practical skills to pass on the knowledge. Participants received training manuals, structured lesson plans, and instructional video tools aimed at ensuring the sport takes root in schools long after the trainers have left.
Oliver Namase, a games teacher from Dr Fola Memorial College in Kaliro, admitted she had never encountered badminton before the training. Yet within days, her perspective had completely changed.
“I didn’t even know the game,” she shared. “But now I understand it, and I’m excited to take it back to my school. My students are going to love it—it will be something completely new for them.”
Her enthusiasm reflects a wider sentiment shared by teachers across the region. Yusuf Wizimba, a physical education teacher, emphasized how the workshop had sharpened his ability to teach the sport, while Ronald Maga, a primary school teacher, described the program as a long-awaited opportunity for districts that had previously only engaged in traditional games like football, netball, and volleyball.
Students, too, were not left behind. Derek Kakande, one of the participants, expressed gratitude for the exposure, noting that the training had opened doors for talent development and personal growth.
Despite the success, the journey has not been without challenges. Mugabi highlighted the lack of proper indoor facilities as a major hurdle, forcing many sessions to take place outdoors, far from ideal for a sport heavily affected by wind conditions. Equipment shortages also emerged as participation numbers exceeded expectations, with some districts registering up to 30 schools instead of the anticipated 20.
Yet, rather than slowing momentum, these challenges have only underscored the demand and potential for badminton in these communities.
Looking ahead, Badminton Uganda is already planning its next phase with technical training workshops aimed at developing local officials who can independently run competitions within their districts. There are also plans to expand the program into other regions, including West Nile and southern Uganda.
As rackets swing and shuttlecocks fly across school grounds in Teso and Busoga, one thing is clear: badminton in Uganda is no longer dormant; it is awakening, one district at a time.