On a sunlit Friday morning in Nsambya, the echoes of shuttle smacks and laughter stuffed the air of the Sharing Youth Centre. However this was no unusual day.
Uganda’s badminton legend, Edwin Ekiring, returned, not as a customer, however as a son coming residence. His presence wasn’t simply nostalgic; it was symbolic. This was a homecoming outlined by gratitude, goal and giving again.
A Hero’s Humble Beginnings
Born and raised simply throughout the slums of Nsambya, nearby of right this moment’s Area Mall and Mestil Resort, Ekiring’s story started on the identical modest courts of Sharing Badminton Membership, Uganda’s oldest badminton membership, established in 1990.
Below the watchful eye of coach Godfrey Kivumbi and with steering from Simon Mugabi, now CEO of Uganda Badminton Affiliation (UBA), a younger boy with uncooked vitality and boundless goals discovered his calling.
“That is the place I began,” Ekiring stated, emotion heavy in his voice. “Sharing was one of many locations that launched me to badminton. I used to be just a bit man.”
From Nsambya to the World Stage
Ekiring’s profession is certainly one of perseverance and trailblazing success. From the dusty courts of Nsambya to the Olympic arenas of Beijing (2008) and London (2012), he has flown Uganda’s flag excessive.
With appearances in 4 Commonwealth Video games and three African Video games, his rise isn’t just exceptional, it’s inspirational. But, in all his worldwide triumphs, Ekiring by no means overlooked the place all of it started.
Giving Again The place It Issues Most
Regardless of a short-notice return to Uganda on April tenth, 2025, his first cease was Sharing Badminton Membership. Not for fanfare or accolades, however to meet a private mission: give again to the neighborhood that formed him.
Ekiring got here bearing greater than recollections. He donated gear :rackets, shuttles, sneakers, and jerseys, all despatched from his Dutch household, Lloyd and Giorgio Van Zaalen, who embraced him in 2006 and stay a part of his prolonged residence.
“They seemed for rackets and now they’re right here, donated for the youngsters,” he shared. “It’s about giving these younger gamers a shot, similar to I used to be given.”
A Legacy That Lives On
For UBA CEO Simon Mugabi, the second was deeply emotional. He had seen Ekiring develop from a decided youth to an African powerhouse.
UBA CEO Simon Mugabi (in Inexperienced)
“Ekiring’s return is one thing cash can’t purchase,” Mugabi mirrored. “He’s a pioneer, certainly one of our first from Sharing Youth Heart. He and Ben Mayega confronted giants and have become giants.”
The membership, as soon as restricted to simply 5 gamers, has turn into a launchpad for expertise now discovered the world over from South Africa to America and Europe.
Extra Than a Membership, A Lifeline
Sharing Badminton Membership has lengthy been greater than a sports activities venue. As Brother Bonkoungou Nazaire stated, it has been a lifeline for numerous youth. “It’s a reward for us to fulfill you once more,” he informed Ekiring. “You cross by way of others to develop. Immediately, you assist others develop.”
His phrases struck a chord, the essence of “Sharing” is precisely that: passing on alternatives, values, and hope.
Lighting the Method Ahead
Earlier than heading again to the Netherlands, Ekiring plans to tour different components of Uganda, persevering with his efforts to advertise the nation and uplift communities by way of sport.
His return isn’t just a chapter in his private journey; it’s a message to each younger dreamer in Uganda: irrespective of how far you go, always remember the place you got here from.-
By way of Edwin Ekiring, the story of Nsambya lives on, not simply in recollections, however in movement, inspiration, and motion.
