Uganda Names Squad as Air Badminton Champions Eye Return to African Glory

Uganda has confirmed its squad for the 2026 Africa Air Badminton Championship as the country returns to the continental competition after missing the third edition in 2025.

The championship is set to serve off tomorrow, September 16, at Aero Beach in Entebbe and will run until September 19, with Uganda aiming to emulate its 2024 success.

The continental outdoor badminton championship is expected to provide Uganda with a stern test, particularly from defending champions Egypt, who capitalised on Uganda’s absence to claim the title at the previous edition held in Acra, Ghana.

Another major challenger is expected to be Nigeria, the inaugural champions who won the 2023 gold medal at the championship held in Tunisia after overcoming Zambia.

As the draws for this year’s championship await to be held this evening, Uganda on Monday confirmed an eight-player mixed squad of men and women to represent the 2024 African champions following an intense preparation programme at Mbogo High.

The squad combines experienced players such as Muzafaru Lubega and Gladys Mbabazi with promising talents including Denis Mukasa and Maliha Musa.

Men

Muzafaru Lubega
Reagan Nsubuga
Bruno Agaba
Denis Mukasa

Women

Gladys Mbabazi
Tracy Naluwooza
Olivia Nakajja
Maliha Musa

Besides the team events, the badminton on sand will also feature individual competitions, with players battling for individual medals in the singles categories.