Badminton Uganda Strengthens Grassroots Development in Ngora

By Kayiira Jackson 

Badminton is steadily gaining ground across Uganda following the rollout of Phase Two of the Shuttle Time Workshop by Badminton Uganda, with Ngora District becoming the latest beneficiary of the grassroots initiative.

The two-day training, held at Ngora High School in the Teso sub-region, brought together 15 teachers from various schools across the district, equipping them with essential badminton skills and knowledge to take the sport back to their communities.

Speaking during the workshop, Simon Mugabi emphasized the importance of the program in expanding the sport’s reach.

“This program is vital because it helps us take badminton closer to the communities and schools, teaching technical officials who will officiate the sport, while young players get a chance to learn and play the game,” Mugabi noted.

He added that participants had responded positively to the training, gaining confidence and practical skills needed to introduce badminton in their respective schools.

“Different people who have attended this workshop say they have learnt a lot of skills and are now ready to start the sport in their different schools,” he said.

Participants echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the impact of the hands-on sessions.

Okwakol Simon Peter, a Physical Education teacher at Ngora High School, admitted that although he had prior exposure to badminton, the workshop deepened his understanding.

“I am not new in badminton, but I didn’t have much idea about it. Now that I have acquired these skills as a PE teacher, I know exactly what I will be teaching my students,” he said.

He further expressed optimism about the future, noting that the newly acquired knowledge could help schools compete at higher levels.

“After getting the skills, we intend to push this game further, teaching our students, and maybe we shall go to nationals. We have learnt a lot, especially movement on the court,” he added.

The Shuttle Time initiative continues to play a key role in developing badminton from the grassroots, with a strong focus on empowering teachers as ambassadors of the sport.

In its first phase last year, Badminton Uganda reached five districts—Pader, Iganga, Kayunga, Rwampara, and Nakaseke—training over 120 teachers from different schools.

With the second phase now underway, the federation hopes to build a strong foundation for badminton across the country, one school at a time.