Building on a foundation of earlier preparation, consistent training, and crucial institutional backing, Reagan Michael Nsubuga is refusing to look too far ahead, choosing instead to let his racket do the talking as the Kampala International Future Series heats up at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Nsubuga booked his spot in the men’s singles quarterfinals on Friday afternoon with a commanding 2-0 victory over his opponent, sweeping the match 21-18, 21-10 in the Round of 16. This followed his earlier 2-0 triumph over Algeria’s Daoud Aimen in the Round of 32.
Reflecting on his tactical masterclass, Nsubuga highlighted the keys to his success on the court.
“My net play was okay, and I forced my opponent to lift, and that helped me smash the shuttles,” Nsubuga said.
Looking past immediate triumphs, the Ugandan star quickly redirected credit outward.
“But I attribute my win to earlier preparation, training, and Coach Simon, who gave me training shuttles and the Federation, which helped us gain experience through the travels,” he added.
Asked about his prospects as the tournament enters its decisive stages, Nsubuga maintained a grounded outlook: “In this tournament I won’t say much but work more and look at performing my best throughout the tournament.”
While Nsubuga marched onward, fellow Ugandan Muzafaru Lubega bowed out of the men’s singles following a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Yu Sheng LIM. Fresh from the AirBadminton tournament, Lubega started strongly by taking the opening set 21-18. However, LIM responded with a 21-10 victory in the second and edged out a 21-18 win in the decider.
Lubega, who had earlier advanced to the Round of 16 by beating Kenya’s Edwin Akwanyi 2-0, revealed that physical trouble derailed his momentum late in the match.
“While in the third set with the score already 1-1, we were 16-all, the umpire called me to take a rest due to a muscle problem, but I felt I could go on, and it didn’t turn out well in the end,” Lubega explained.
In the women’s singles division, Olivia Nakajja survived a gruelling three-set battle against Kenya’s Christine Fridah Mbuya, ultimately prevailing 2-1 with scores of 21-23, 21-17, 21-19.
Meanwhile, Tracy Naluwooza enjoyed a smoother path, easing past Kenya’s Britney Cherop 2-0 (21-6, 21-7) before receiving a walkover against fellow Ugandan Alayna Karim Alwani to secure her quarterfinal berth.
Earlier in the tournament, Gladys Mbabazi and Meble Namakoye both secured 2-0 victories in the Round of 32, Mbabazi defeating compatriot Vanessa Nassali, and Namakoye overcoming Kenya’s Yvonne Mwikali. The draw eventually pitted the two compatriots against each other, with Mbabazi winning 2-0 to advance.
Looking ahead: Doubles action
With the singles draws thinning out, local hopes now pivot toward upcoming doubles fixtures where Ugandan players will juggle shared ambitions:
Women’s Doubles: Quarterfinalists Gladys Mbabazi and Meble Namakoye will temporarily shelve their singles rivalry to team up against Kenya’s Gillian Nakhungu and Yvonne Mwikali in the Round of 16.
Men’s Doubles: Muzafaru Lubega and Reagan Micheal Nsubuga join forces to face Algeria’s Daoud Aimen and Mestapaha Kessari.
Mixed Doubles: Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mbabazi face an all-Ugandan clash against Emmanuel Atahakanisibwa and Rebecca Nakiyingi, while Reagan Micheal Nsubuga and Tracy Naluwooza square off against Kotecha Harshil and Dhruvi Sugar.