In a remote Ugandan village, Quidditch – inspired by the magical sport from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series – has taken a real-world turn. The sport, known as quadball in its adapted form, is growing rapidly in Uganda, with over 200 players and the first-ever national tournament held in 2023. Organizers hope that one day, Ugandan teams will compete in the global quadball World Cup, which has been held every two years since 2012.
A Sport Born from a Bus Ride and a Dream
The sport made its way to Uganda in 2013, thanks to primary school teacher John Ssentamu. While reading a Harry Potter book over someone’s shoulder on a bus, Ssentamu discovered the concept of Quidditch and was immediately intrigued. Not knowing what it was, he turned to Google for answers.
“I was like hey it’s a game… it’s beautiful. I think I could introduce this to my community,” said Ssentamu, who started a team at Good Shepherd Primary School, where he teaches. This marked the beginning of a journey that would ultimately bring quadball to the village of Katwadde, located about 135 kilometers (80 miles) from Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Quadball: A Game of Equality and Unity
The game’s primary objective is to throw balls through hoops, and while it shares elements with Quidditch, it has evolved into a hybrid sport that combines aspects of netball, football, volleyball, and rugby. Quadball also stands out for its commitment to gender equality, as every team must include both men and women, something that has endeared the game to Ugandan communities.
Ssentamu is particularly drawn to quadball’s inclusivity, seeing it as a way to bring people together across gender and social boundaries. “It has brought youth together and it has opened up their minds,” said his daughter, Vicky Edith Nabbanja, who plays as a “beater” – a position that involves temporarily knocking out opposing players with dodgeballs. Nabbanja also appreciates how the sport fosters a “community of belonging.”
National Success, But Global Aspirations
In 2023, Ssentamu’s team hosted and won Uganda’s first national quadball tournament, a significant milestone for the country’s quadball scene. However, the dream of seeing Uganda represented at the World Cup remains elusive due to financial constraints. Despite multiple invitations to participate in the quadball World Cup, which takes place every two years in Europe or the Americas, Ssentamu’s team has been unable to afford the travel costs.
“My dream is to see a team from here going to the World Cup of Quidditch, because it would be a revelation for the whole world,” Ssentamu said. He believes that participating in the global tournament would bring immense recognition not just to his team but to Uganda as a whole, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in international sports.
Quadball’s Impact on Uganda’s Communities
Beyond the international aspirations, the rise of quadball has brought tangible benefits to communities like Katwadde. The sport has drawn children to the school, a positive development in an area where education is not always prioritized. The sport’s growing popularity has created new opportunities for local youth, allowing them to engage in healthy, team-based activities that encourage physical fitness, collaboration, and leadership.
Conclusion: The Future of Quadball in Uganda
Quadball is more than just a sport in Uganda; it has become a catalyst for change and unity in rural communities. Through the efforts of John Ssentamu and his dedicated team, the sport is not only providing entertainment but also shaping the future of youth development and empowerment. While financial challenges remain, the vision for quadball in Uganda continues to grow, with hopes of one day reaching the global stage and inspiring others in Africa and beyond to embrace this exciting, inclusive game.
