For many children, the East African Badminton Challenge 2026 is a tournament and a chance to leave the classroom, travel to another school, make new friends and test their skills against unfamiliar opponents. The excitement of boarding a bus with teammates to the Lugogo Indoor Arena, wearing school colours and exploring a new environment makes the competition memorable. Winning a match or a point adds to the thrill, but the experience goes beyond results. Uganda hosts the Uganda International, Uganda Junior International and Kampala International Future Series, but local tournaments remain limited. The East African Badminton Challenge gives young local players a chance to compete, socialise and develop their love for the game in huge numbers. Badminton's fast pace also appeals to children. With lightweight rackets and a shuttlecock flying across the court, the game keeps them moving, running and jumping while having fun. For some, the tournament is an opportunity to make friends with children from other schools. For others, it is a chance to prove themselves and experience the excitement of competing away from their usual surroundings with some of their stars like Tracy Naluwooza, Sharifah Mbabazi, Muzafaru Lubega, Reagan Nsubuga and many others in different categories but in the same environment. Behind the action, however, are coaches working to keep the children focused while balancing their own involvement in the sport. Many senior badminton players who have attended coaching courses have taken up school coaching, helping introduce the game to a younger generation. To be recognised by the federation as a school badminton coach, one must hold a Level One qualification. Mable Namakoye is among those combining coaching with playing experience. A former women's doubles medallist at the Kampala International Future Series and Uganda International Badminton Series, she now coaches at Olive School Namugongo. She says working with children during tournaments requires patience, as they constantly seek their coach's attention. "Every after 30 seconds, you will hear a shout calling coach," Namakoye says. The children are also curious about other players' performances and often want to know why they cannot play at the same level. One of her biggest challenges comes when a player is awarded a walkover. "A child never listens when they are awarded a walkover. They always want to be on court and play since it's always a roller coaster of games and they are given very little time to play," she says. Despite the demands, Namakoye enjoys the children's willingness to listen as they prepare to enter the court and their eagerness to interact with players from other schools. Their enthusiasm makes the experience worthwhile, even when keeping everyone organised becomes difficult. Shelton Tayebwa shares a similar experience. Still an active player, he also coaches badminton at Shree Sahajanand School Uganda. Their involvement reflects how players can give back while still competing.
- Venue: Lugogo Indoor Arena
- Notable players: Tracy Naluwooza, Sharifah Mbabazi, Muzafaru Lubega, Reagan Nsubuga
- Coaches: Mable Namakoye (Olive School Namugongo), Shelton Tayebwa (Shree Sahajanand School Uganda)
- Qualification required: Level One coaching certificate for school badminton coaches
- Associated tournaments: Uganda International, Uganda Junior International, Kampala International Future Series
Source: Kawowo Sports
