Fredrick Kadoli and Bruno Agaba headline Uganda's charge after battling through qualifying at the Uganda International Series 2026 in Kampala on Thursday.
The tournament runs from October 1 to 4 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium and features shuttlers from India, Malaysia, Algeria, Nepal and Myanmar.
Kadoli opened with a 21-9, 21-8 win over Harshil Hemal Kotecha before seeing off Emmanuel Ajuna 21-12, 21-16 in round two.
He then held nerve to edge third seed Najjimu Mbowa 21-17, 22-20 in a high-quality third-round encounter that sent him into the main draw.
Agaba began with a 21-9, 21-12 victory against Blaire Mugumya and survived a three-set test versus Tendo Kizito Mukalazi, winning 21-17, 16-21, 21-18.
He carried that momentum into the final qualifier where he pipped Rayan Mutesasira 21-16, 23-21 in another tight affair.
Alyaan Mawani completed the Ugandan trio after commanding wins over Karim Ayaan 21-6, 21-8 and Om Jayeshbhai Madlani 21-4, 21-5.
Several compatriots fell short as Rahim Nsubuga lost to Malaysia's top seed Yu Sheng Lim 21-10, 21-15 and Joshua Ekochu was eliminated by India's Abhishek Kanapala 21-6, 21-6.
Ahmed Oduka, Aaryan Jawed Hirani, Axam Bbosa, Emmanuel Kirabo, Justus Kakuru and Joshua Atuhaire also exited in round two.
Main draw action begins Friday with the Ugandan trio hoping to extend their qualifying form against stronger opposition.
Qualifiers who reached main draw:
- Fredrick Kadoli
- Bruno Agaba
- Alyaan Mawani
Notable qualifying exits:
- Najjimu Mbowa (lost to Kadoli 21-17, 22-20)
- Tendo Kizito Mukalazi (lost to Agaba 21-17, 16-21, 21-18)
- Rahim Nsubuga (lost to Yu Sheng Lim 21-10, 21-15)
- Joshua Ekochu (lost to Abhishek Kanapala 21-6, 21-6)
Source: Kawowo Sports
