When Fadilah Shamika and Tracy Naluwooza first picked up badminton rackets 14 years ago, it was with the encouragement of their parents.
What began as a push from home has since grown into one of Uganda’s most remarkable sporting partnerships, now thrilling crowds on international courts.
Speaking on the Women in Sport show, Naluwooza reflected on their early days, recalling her first meeting with Shamika. At the time, she was already seen as a young star but admitted she felt uneasy about the competition Shamika brought.
“When I first met Fadilah, I was scared because I was already a star at a young age, but her presence made everything more competitive. At first, connecting with each other was difficult, yet we learned to accept one another because our dream was bigger than our differences,” she said.
The Uganda Badminton Federation paired them at a young age, a decision that has shaped their journey. Naluwooza’s power from the backcourt and Shamika’s sharp control at the front have blended into a partnership built on balance and trust.
The path has not been without challenges. Balancing school and sport tested both players, with Shamika at one point missing two school terms during her Senior Four year.
With support from teachers and friends, she managed to keep her studies on track while pursuing her badminton ambitions.
Their persistence has paid off. Today, the duo are among Uganda’s brightest names in a sport still carving space in the country’s sporting culture. Their performances have earned admiration abroad and sparked pride at home.
Their full story airs this Sunday at 7 PM on the Women in Sport show on NBS Sport TV.
