The MTN Indoor Arena in Lugogo witnessed more than just rallies and smashes this past weekend , it saw the rise of a new badminton frontier. While traditional powerhouses India and Malaysia dominated the podium at the 2025 Kampala International Feature Series, the story that stole hearts and headlines came from the homegrown heroes: Uganda’s record 46-player squad, who clawed their way to seven bronze medals in a defiant showcase of grit, growth, and growing ambition.
The four-day tournament featured 86 players from 19 countries, but for Uganda, it was more than just a contest , it was a declaration. Led by the indefatigable Husina Kobugabe, who won two bronze medals (Mixed Doubles with Muzafaru Lubega and Women’s Doubles with Gladys Mbabazi), the Ugandan team turned every match into a proving ground for the nation’s badminton future.
“We may not have taken gold, but these medals are a symbol of how far we’ve come , and how far we’re ready to go,” said Kobugabe, whose confidence echoes a broader shift in Uganda’s approach to the sport.
The Men’s Doubles pair of Fred Kirabo and Ivan Mayega also stormed their way to the podium, proving Uganda’s depth across categories. Their victory was not just over opponents, but over years of underexposure and underrepresentation on the global circuit.
“This tournament wasn’t just successful , it was transformational,” said Simon Mugabi, CEO of the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA). “We had the biggest local turnout ever, seven medals, and most importantly, our players got international exposure that can’t be taught — only earned.”
More than medals, the 4th edition of the Kampala International Feature Series delivered something rarer: momentum. Uganda’s badminton is no longer surviving , it’s evolving, emboldened by youth, homegrown coaching, and increasing international play.
With their bronze wins, Uganda’s shuttlers didn’t just break onto the podium , they cracked open the door to a future where standing among the sport’s elite isn’t a dream, but a plan.
