In a major step toward expanding badminton at the grassroots level, Badminton Uganda, in partnership with the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), is hosting an intensive Shuttle Time Tutor Course aimed at building a stronger foundation for the sport in Uganda and beyond.
The ongoing training, taking place at CFK Academy in Kisaasi, has brought together nine participants, eight from Uganda and one from Somalia, for a three-day tutor course designed to strengthen technical leadership and create a sustainable pathway for badminton development in schools.
The initiative forms part of the globally recognised Shuttle Time programme, which focuses on introducing badminton to children through schools by equipping teachers with the skills needed to teach the sport. Under the current model, certified tutors are trained first before they are deployed to mentor teachers in schools across various districts.
The course, which concludes on Wednesday, will be followed by an additional two-day teachers’ training session. Participants who complete the programme will receive official certification, qualifying them as specialists tasked with expanding badminton’s reach at the grassroots level.
According to Dr Ahmed Reda, Development Manager at the Badminton Confederation of Africa, the programme is focused on strengthening Uganda’s capacity to grow badminton by investing in human resources.
“We are here in Uganda for the Shuttle Time tutors and teachers course. Our main objective is to increase knowledge and equip the coaches here in Uganda with all the information related to the Shuttle Time programme,” Dr Reda said.
“We want to ensure they have all the materials, knowledge and information they need to deliver this programme effectively and teach teachers about Shuttle Time while targeting young generations and ultimately producing very good players.”
He explained that the programme goes beyond Uganda’s borders, with Somalia also benefiting from the initiative through its representative attending the course.
“We have eight coaches from Uganda and one coach from Somalia. Somalia is new to the programme and a new country joining BCA, so we are trying to equip them with a candidate who can return home and begin implementation there.”
Dr Reda added that the second day of training was focused on ensuring participants could confidently deliver both theoretical and practical sessions.
“In the morning, coaches are handling the theory part, and in the afternoon, they move into practical sessions. We are here to support them and make sure they are fully prepared to implement the programme when they return home.”
The curriculum extends beyond badminton techniques and focuses heavily on leadership and teaching methodology. Participants are being trained in: Effective Communication, Interpersonal Management, handling diverse personalities, managing large groups of learners, Session preparation and logistics, using training aids such as instructional videos, rackets and shuttlecocks and Building confidence in delivering lessons
The programme also emphasises inclusivity, ensuring tutors can effectively work with children of different abilities.
For many participants, the course represents an opportunity to expand their influence in badminton beyond playing and officiating.
Christine Kadondi said the training has already changed how she views coaching and leadership in the sport. “I’ve learned how to manage players and ensure everyone stays active during training sessions. You cannot have some children sitting while others are playing—you need everyone engaged,” she said.
Kadondi, who is also an active player, said badminton has already transformed her life.
“It has made me travel to many places and become known in the country. I want to continue growing and inspire many more players.”
Derrick Odida from Seroma noted that the course has equipped them with practical skills to manage both teachers and children.
“I’ve learned how to handle large groups, work with children with disabilities and ensure everyone is involved. This has added great value to my coaching career.”
For badminton officials, the course is also opening new pathways. Munyoro Richard, involved in officiating, said the programme allows them to remain actively involved in developing future players.
“Usually, in officiating, you only work during tournaments. Now I have the opportunity to help train teachers who will eventually develop the next generation of players.”
The course’s regional impact is already being felt through Somalia’s participation.
Abdur Rahim Khalif Ali, representing the Somali Badminton Federation, said he plans to use the knowledge gained in Kampala to introduce badminton into schools back home.
“This programme is designed for teachers who may have no prior knowledge of badminton. We train them so they can introduce the sport to children aged five to fifteen,” he said. “After this, I will return to Somalia and begin working with schools because we currently do not have an established badminton programme in schools.”
For Badminton Uganda, the course reflects a broader ambition to grow the sport from the grassroots level by investing in educators, coaches and administrators who can sustain long-term development.
For now, the focus remains on one simple mission: putting more rackets in young hands and ensuring badminton continues to grow from classrooms to competition courts.