All you need to know about Padel in Uganda:
Padel, the racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has officially arrived in Uganda with the inauguration of Herman Padel, the nation’s first padel center.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the sport in the region, promising a new and exciting way for Ugandans to stay active.
Henrik Andersen, CEO of Herman Padel, emphasized the sport’s rapid global growth despite its relative obscurity in Uganda.
“It may not be known in Uganda, but it’s the fastest growing sport in the world. After you have played it for just 15 minutes, you are already aware of its rules,” Andersen explained.
The establishment of Herman Padel is a step toward fostering a community-oriented environment. “Forming this center is very exciting. Our vision is to create an environment where people from all walks of life can come and have fun, socialize, and exercise,” Andersen added.
“We hope to make a place where we are one happy big family, have fun, laugh, and also compete.”
Looking ahead, Andersen shared his ambitious plans to grow the sport in Uganda. “We have made collaborations with the Danish Padel Association, where they will share experiences and best practices,” he said.
“We have contacted the National Council of Sports (NCS), and they have given the sport 100% backing. We are also in touch with the State Minister for Investment & Privatization, Evelyn Anite, so we have the government’s support.”
While establishing a formal association for padel in Uganda is a long-term goal, Andersen acknowledged that it would require a broader reach. “We will make an association in the long run, but that will require us to be active in at least 50 districts, so right now it’s not possible,” he noted.
“We want to build more playing centers, and I guess then other people will be able to chip in. We want it to grow organically.”.Must Know About Padel
Objective:
The objective of padel is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that they cannot return it.
Number of Players:
Padel is played in doubles, with two players on each side of the court.
Equipment:
Padel racket (made of graphite or carbon fiber)
Padel ball (similar to a tennis ball but with a lower compression)
Padel court (20×10 meters, divided into two halves by a net)
Basic Rules:
Serve: underhand, with the paddle below the waist
Rallies: players hit the ball back and forth until one team fails to return it
Volleys and smashes: allowed, but no overhead shots
Non-volley zones: players cannot make volleys in certain areas of the court
Points and games: similar to tennis, with a few modifications
Unique Features:
Walls: padel courts have walls on all sides, which players can use to their advantage
No overhead shots: players cannot hit the ball above their head
Emphasis on strategy and control: padel rewards clever play and precise shots
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum