Overview:
Fadila Shamika Rafi Mohamed and Naluwooza virtually have little time to rest with the immediate task at hand; coming immediately at the 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge in Kampala (Lugogo Indoor Arena).
Past mid-night, the mood at Entebbe International Airport is normally calm, silent and composed.
This was the reciprocal on the morning of Wednesday, 18th February 2026 as the two medalists from the 2026 All Africa Seniors Badminton championship from the Botswana capital city of Gaborone.
Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi, a gold medalist in the single’s cluster and a doubles’ bronze medalist as well as Doubles’ teammate Tracy Naluwooza safely returned home with the other passengers aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
They were treated to a surprise reception spiced up by a traditional performance by Light Performers Musical Troop.
Folk songs and dances precipitated by sharp drumming lit the air at the lake side Airport facility.
Family members, officials from the Badminton Uganda body, journalists and keen onlookers received the duo with flowers bouquets and sweets.
“I am shocked by this warm reception. I never expected such a treatment. I am humbled and this motivates me to aim even higher” gold medalist Shamika remarked.
Attaining her second gold in the singles’ category since the 2023 heroics in South Africa as a 17-year-old, Shamika lauded the supportive family, teammates and coaches for her tip-top form.
“My family has also been supportive” Shamika who was flanked by the father Mohamed Rafi commented.
“For the past one month during training in Mauritius with my coach (Neersh Remtohal), I have improved a lot. Also, my playing mates have helped in this journey. My personal mental strength has improved a great deal and look ahead great times” Shamika who won a scholarship to the Yonex Peter Gade Academy in Denmark added.
“I have big expectations ahead starting with the Uganda International tournament as my body is recovering. I want to keep the number one rank in Africa with qualification to the 2028 Olympics the main target” she highlighted of the dream ahead.
Shamika earned bronze with Tracy Naluwooza in the female doubles, a feat that the latter anticipates as a stepping stone to improving her personal game.
“I am very happy for the bronze earned along with Shamika in the doubles. This is where we can further improve as a pair and also as a person in the singles. I am glad for the reception given to us. It got us by surprise” Naluwooza who traveled as the team captain commented.
Badminton Uganda Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Simon Mugabi, Marketing committee chairperson Dr. Venkata Krishnan, Finance committee chairperson Mohammed Rafi, other family members of Shamika and Naluwooza graced the welcome ceremony.
Shamika and Naluwooza virtually have little time to rest with the immediate task at hand; coming immediately at the 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge in Kampala (Lugogo Indoor Arena).
“I am ready for the 2026 Uganda International, starting with the qualification round and in the doubles, we are already in the main draw” Naluwooza vowed.
Uganda will field as many players as possible at the championship on home soil.
