Two remarkable comeback lit up the woodball national qualifiers as Uganda Prisons warder Isaac Nabugere and KIU’s Bridge Byamukama powered their way into the 8-man World Cup training squad after a tense final round at Uganda Prisons grounds on Labour Day.
The duo, both outside the qualification bracket with one leg to go, produced late surges that confirmed their places for the residential camp ahead of the 10th Woodball World Cup in Malaysia.
The 10th Woodball World Cup Championship and the 26th Malaysia Open International Woodball Championship will be held in Perlis, Malaysia from 24th to 30th July 2026.
The global showpiece will attract a strong field featuring Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taiwan among others.
Byamukama, who balances competitition with work at Tomosi’s Farm in Bwesharire, Rushere, was the standout performer of the day. Opening with 53 strokes, he maintained consistency across four rounds to finish on 472 strokes overall, climbing to fourth place in the rankings.
He had begun the final day trailing by nine strokes off the cut off but surged back with composure, eventually finishing just behind leader Brian Gwaaka, Prisons’ Daniel Apita, and Ndejje’s Thomas Kedi.
‘I knew I had to stay patient. Working in Rushere and travelling for training is not easy, but I never allowed circumstances to define my performance,’ Byamukama said.
Nabugere’s resurgence
If Byamukama’s rise was measured, Nabugere’s was emphatic. The Uganda Prisons ‘silent assassin’ began the final day tenth, but roared back with a decisive 216 strokes overall, including a final-round 49 that sealed his leap into sixth place.
At one point in the competition, he was 10 strokes off the qualification mark. His late charge reinforced Prisons’ influence in the national team.
‘Prisons is a place of discipline, and I carried that same discipline onto the course. I reminded myself that every stroke matters. I refused to give up,’ he said.
Uganda Prisons emerged as the biggest winners with four players making the final squad. Alongside Apita, Nabugere and Samson Rugongeza, Isaac Ariho sealed the final qualifying spot.
Ariho praised the team’s commitment.
‘Having four players on the final team shows the level of work we have put in. We are proud of this achievement and ready for the next challenge,’ he said.
No surprises for women
In the women’s category, consistency prevailed as Denise Nanjeru topped the standings to lead a predictable final squad selection.
She will be joined by Noeline Babirye, Christine Birungi, experienced campaigners Joan Mukoova and Joyce Nalubega, as well as Mirembe Sanyu and Florence Mukoya from Kampala University. KIU’s Shakirah Nagudi completes the lineup.
Birungi’s return to top-tier selection after missing out in 2024 due to maternity-related setbacks was one of the emotional highlights of the women’s competition.
FINAL TOP 8 FINISHERS
Men
1. Brian Gwaaka (KIU) – 408
2. Daniel Apita (Prisons) – 428
3. Thomas Kedi (NCWC) – 453
4. Bridge Byamukama (KIU) – 472
5. Samson Rugongeza (Prisons) -472
6. Isaac Nabugere (Prisons) -477
7. David Kabugo (KU) – 480
8. Isaac Ariho (Prisons) – 483
Women
1. Denise Nanjeru (KYU) – 461
2. Christine Birungi (MOPS) – 491
3. Noeline Babirye (UNIK) – 491
4. Joan Mukoova (MOPS) – 492
5. Joyce Nalubega (MOPS) – 494
6. Mirembe Sanyu (KIU) – 496
7. Florence Mukoya (KU) – 504
8. Shakirah Nagudi (KIU) – 509