In their opening match against Brazil, Morocco fielded 11 foreign-born players, the highest number by any team in a World Cup match. Many of those players grew up in European countries before choosing to represent the land of their parents or grandparents.

UCU finished fourth overall after collecting 41 points in the women’s category and 56 points in the men’s category, giving the university a total of 97 points.

Tanzania had initially been awarded hosting rights for the 14th edition following the conclusion of the 13th East Africa University Games in Maseno, Kenya. However, FEAUS said the country could not continue with preparations due to unavoidable circumstances, prompting the federation to reassign the event to Makerere University.

“Jonah was a good friend to many, humble, funny, happy and liked joking a lot. He was so passionate about basketball, a hard worker and a great teammate. He was always jolly, very competitive and hated losing,” Mesho said.

Artan was not the only person whose World Cup experience was affected by immigration issues. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also unable to join the Black Stars for their opening match after Canada denied him entry because of an ongoing legal rape case in the United Kingdom.

Athletes were from various institutions, including UCU, Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons, Luwero Secondary School, and Gombe Secondary School. Some districts including  Koboko, Masindi, and Arua City also had participants take part.