In a groundbreaking chapter for Ugandan badminton, two young stars , Tracy Naluwooza and Shamika Fadilah , are ready to etch their names into history at the 29th BWF World Championships in France from August 25th to 31st, 2025.
For the pair, this isn’t just another tournament. It is a bold stride onto the global stage, where every rally carries the weight of their nation’s hopes. Though making their World Championships debut, Naluwooza and Fadilah are no strangers to high-pressure arenas. In 2024, they proudly flew Uganda’s and Africa’s flag at the Thomas and Uber Cup in China, gaining priceless experience that sharpened their mental and physical edge.
This time, Fadilah will step onto the court in the singles draw, where her agility, grit, and precision will be tested against the world’s finest shuttlers. But it is in the doubles discipline that sparks are expected to truly fly, as she reunites with her long-time partner, Tracy Naluwooza. Their chemistry, built on years of trust, resilience, and synchronized brilliance, has been the backbone of their success , a partnership that has turned heads across the continent.
Behind them stands head coach William Kabindi, whose vision and relentless training regimen have sculpted the duo into more than just players , into ambassadors of Ugandan sporting excellence. Under his guidance, they have evolved from promising youngsters into fearless contenders, ready to take their rightful place among the global elite.
As they set off for France this week, excitement swells back home. This journey is more than competition; it is a story of courage, representation, and possibility. Every shot they play will echo the aspirations of a new generation of Ugandan athletes daring to dream beyond borders.
The spotlight of the world stage is often daunting, but for Naluwooza and Fadilah, it is also an opportunity: to inspire, to prove, and to showcase the untapped potential of Ugandan badminton.
And so, as the courts in France await, the question lingers: Will Uganda’s golden duo script an upset, light up the tournament, and carve a legacy of their own?
No matter the outcome, one thing is certain , Tracy Naluwooza and Shamika Fadilah have already lifted Uganda into the heart of the world badminton conversation.
The shuttle is in the air. History beckons.
