18 local shuttlers advance to Quarterfinals at Uganda International Series 2026

Uganda’s campaign for honours at the Uganda International Series 2026 has gathered intense momentum, with a formidable contingent of 18 home players advancing to the quarterfinals across four categories. This stellar performance has set the stage for a bustling Saturday of badminton at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium. Representing the black, yellow, and red, local hopefuls […] The post 18 local shuttlers advance to Quarterfinals at Uganda International Series 2026 appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Oct 3, 2026 - 06:40

18 local shuttlers advance to Quarterfinals at Uganda International Series 2026

Uganda’s campaign for honours at the Uganda International Series 2026 has gathered intense momentum, with a formidable contingent of 18 home players advancing to the quarterfinals across four categories.

This stellar performance has set the stage for a bustling Saturday of badminton at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Representing the black, yellow, and red, local hopefuls have secured 15 distinct quarterfinal combinations across the women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Beyond national pride, competitors are chasing valuable Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking points and a lucrative share of the US$10,000 prize purse.

Women’s Singles: Leading the individual charge

The women’s singles category has provided Uganda with its biggest individual representation, with four standout players successfully progressing from Friday’s Round of 16 to keep the home flag flying high.

● Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi: The top seed ruthlessly led the charge, sweeping aside compatriot Robinah Bako 21-5, 21-5. She now advances to face India’s Akshita Manral.

● Tracy Naluwooza: Seeded third, Naluwooza delivered a convincing performance to defeat India’s Harshita Singh 21-5, 21-17. She moves on to lock horns with India’s Ishita Negi.

● Kruthum Nalumansi: The fourth seed booked her spot by overcoming fellow Ugandan Immaculate Anembabazi 21-11, 21-16, setting up a quarter-final clash against India’s Aesha Gandhi.

● Gladys Mbabazi: Seeded second, Mbabazi rounded out the quartet with a 21-11, 21-7 victory over Christine Fridah Mbuya. She will next test her ambitions against Algeria’s Yasmina Chibah.

While the women’s singles and doubles have heavily reinforced home representation, the absence of Ugandan players in the men’s singles quarter-finals means the country will rely entirely on these women’s singles stars and doubles combinations to carry its deep-run aspirations.

Doubles and Mixed Draws: Promise mixed with domestic clashes

Uganda’s prospects are equally electric across the doubles events, though a heavy home turnout has resulted in inevitable internal showdowns that guarantee some local representation will exit before the semi-finals.

Men’s Doubles

● Emmanuel Kirabo & Joseph Ssonko face a tough test against India’s third-seeded pair, Abhyuday Choudhary and Ayush Makhija.

● Muzafaru Lubega & Reagan Michael Nsubuga (fourth seeds) will square off against India’s Manav Choudhary and Himanshu Tiwari.

Women’s Doubles (The domestic battles)

The women’s bracket features fascinating all-Ugandan matchups:

● Christine Fridah Mbuya & Kruthum Nalumansi face second seeds Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi & Tracy Naluwooza.

● Gladys Mbabazi & Meble Namakoye take on Robinah Bako & Vanessa Nassali, ensuring at least one all-Ugandan semi-finalist.

● Nazifa Nakiyemba & Sharifah Mbabazi carry the home banner against India’s Akshita Manral and Ishita Negi.

(Meanwhile, Algeria’s top-seeded duo Yasmina Chibah and Linda Mazri face India’s Sonali Singh and Ritika Thaker).

Mixed Doubles

Three local pairings have advanced into the mix;

● Reagan Michael Nsubuga & Tracy Naluwooza (second seeds) meet fellow compatriots Kotecha Harshil Hemal & Dhruvi Sagar Dattani.

● Muzafaru Lubega & Gladys Mbabazi (top seeds) lock horns with Emmanuel Ajuna & Precious Nagawa.

● Joshua Ekochu & Kruthum Nalumansi take on Algeria’s Mohamed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun and Linda Mazri.

Capitalizing on home advantage

This remarkable depth stems from sheer numbers. Uganda entered the four-day tournament as the largest contingent, fielding 67 players out of a total of 115 competitors hailing from 14 nations. That numerical strength has successfully materialised into a massive quarter-final presence.

With the battles shifting to Saturday still at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, the pressure shifts from securing Round of 16 triumphs to converting them into semi-final berths and podium finishes on home soil.