The battle for prize money and valuable world ranking points resumes at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Thursday, October 1, as 115 players begin their campaign at the 2026 Uganda International Series.
Running from October 1-4, the tournament offers a US$10,000 prize pool and up to 2,500 Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking points, providing players with both financial rewards and an opportunity to improve their international standings.
The ranking points are particularly important as players work towards qualification and preparation for various world championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).
Unlike the Kampala International Future Series, which concluded recently at the same venue, the International Series offers prize money alongside ranking points. The Future Series, dominated by Indian players, offered up to 1,700 ranking points but no prize money.
Uganda will have the largest representation, with 67 players among the 115 competitors. They will face players from India, Malaysia, Algeria, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, Luxembourg, Germany, Myanmar, Kenya, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The tournament will follow a knockout format, beginning with qualifying rounds on Thursday. Players must win their opening matches and progress through successive rounds to remain in contention for the title, ranking points and a share of the prize money.
The opening day’s action will feature several Ugandan players, including Emmanuel Atahakanisiwa, Fredrick Kadoli, Shenson Chia, Blaire Mugumya and Fahad Kalibusi, who begin their campaigns in the men’s singles qualifying rounds.
Other Ugandan players, including Joshua Ekochu, Najjimu Mbowa, Abdul Razak Mabuya and Rayan Mutesasira, are also scheduled to compete in the subsequent qualifying rounds.
For Uganda’s 67 representatives, playing on home soil presents an opportunity to compete for the available rewards while seeking to make an impression in an international field.
- Prize pool: US$10,000
- Ranking points: up to 2,500 BWF points
- Dates: October 1-4, 2026
- Venue: Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Kampala
- Format: Knockout, starting with qualifying rounds
- Uganda representation: 67 players out of 115
- Competing nations: India, Malaysia, Algeria, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, Luxembourg, Germany, Myanmar, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka
Source: Kawowo Sports
