By Juma Ali
Uganda joined the rest of the 193 members in the five continents to celebrate the 89th anniversary of the existence of World Badminton Federation.
Every 5th July, Badminton celebrates the World Badminton Day and Uganda decided to have the celebrations on 10th July 2023 at Lugogo Sports Complex Kampala with the disabled members of badminton in Uganda.
The day saw Uganda joined with other members from ten countries who are in the country for Africa Para Badminton tourney that is shuttling off on Tuesday this week.
Uganda Badminton Association CEO Simon Mugabi revealed that the date reached in mid of last week and they were still in International Para Badminton tournament and they decided to have it on free day which was Monday.
“Every 5th July, Badminton all over the world celebrate the World Badminton Day, but it came in middle of the week which was Wednesday and we had a tournament running, we decided have it today, when we have good time to collaborate with our people.” Says CEO.
“Our celebrations are a bit unique, many other members celebrate it with abled people, but ours, it’s for disabled a sign of inclusiveness, like you have seen, we had people of special Olympics, the deaf an other disabled people.” He added.
At the same day, the KCCA Lord Councilor, Ssemwanga extended her support to disabled people, promised to lobby for them and also asked Government and the first son, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to extend their hand to the disabled like they do to the abled people.
“The reason as to why I am here it’s because of three reasons, I am a leader representing the disabled in the KCCA council, I am a disabled too and I love sports.” She started.
“So I came to give them something in my potential and also to encourage them to continue practice what they are doing and believe that they can achieve.”
“The disabled are also talented members who can bring medals to the country, other countries invests a lot in para sport, that’s why they get medals, so I request the government to think about the disabled and increase funds to Para.
I see Gen. Muhoozi supporting sports for youths, even the disabled are youths so I ask Muhoozi also to consider, disabled among his programs.”
Uganda is also in struggle to collect points that can qualify them to Paris France Paralympics 2024.
