Badminton Uganda Takes Shuttle Time Programme to 170 Teachers in Busoga
By Kayiira Jackson
Badminton Uganda has completed the first phase of its Shuttle Time programme in the Busoga region, training 170 teachers from seven districts as part of efforts to expand badminton at grassroots level.
The two-week programme, which concluded in Kamuli District, targeted teachers from Namutumba, Buyende, Luuka, Mayuge, Bugweri, Bugiri and Kamuli districts.
The initiative is designed to equip teachers with basic badminton coaching and officiating skills so that they can introduce and sustain the sport in schools even without the direct presence of the national federation.
Badminton Uganda Chief Executive Officer Simon Mugabi said the programme is also aimed at developing Air Badminton and strengthening the capacity of technical officials across the country.
“The Shuttle Time programme is looking at the development of Air Badminton, teaching skills to technical officials such that they can handle their tournaments and programmes. Even if the national organisation is not on the ground, they can still carry on,” Mugabi said.
He added that the completion of the Busoga phase marks another step in the federation’s nationwide grassroots development programme.
“We have completed this region and we are going to continue with our programme. The next stop is Bunyoro region,” he said.
The training has already received positive feedback from participants, with teachers pledging to transfer the knowledge acquired to their learners when schools reopen.
Gabula Lamech, one of the participants, said the workshop exposed him to aspects of badminton he had previously not known.
“It is very interesting. Much of what we didn’t know has been taught to us. When I go back to my school, I will be teaching my learners so that they also pick interest in badminton,” Gabula said.
For Fauza, a games teacher at Kamuli Progressive College-Mulondo, the inclusive nature of badminton makes it particularly valuable for schools.
She noted that the sport can be enjoyed by both boys and girls, as well as learners with disabilities, providing an opportunity for more students to participate in physical activity.
“The good thing about this workshop is that it involves both boys and girls, and even students with disabilities can enjoy the game. As they come back from holidays, we are going to involve them, especially students with disabilities, because they have been lacking a game they can freely enjoy with others,” Fauza said.
With the Busoga phase now complete, Badminton Uganda is set to shift its focus to the Bunyoro region as it continues rolling out the Shuttle Time programme across different parts of the country.
The federation hopes the training of teachers will create a wider pool of school-based badminton coaches and officials, ultimately increasing participation and strengthening the sport’s development pipeline.