By Michael Ainomugisha.
As the 13th edition of the Eastern Africa University Games (EAUG) draws near, excitement is building across East Africa. Scheduled to take place at Maseno University, Kenya, from December 16 to 20, 2024, the Games will bring together over 30 universities from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan to compete in a wide range of sports disciplines. This year, Uganda’s universities will enter the competition on the back of impressive performances at the 2023 All-Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, and they are anticipated to be among the top contenders at the regional event.
In December 2023, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted the AUUS Games, which saw some of the country’s top universities excel across various sports disciplines. Ndejje University, UCU, and Makerere University were the standout performers, dominating both team and individual sports.
Ndejje University, known for its strength in individual sports, was particularly impressive in athletics, winning both the men’s and women’s categories. Their dominance in track and field events solidified their position as one of the top performers, securing them the overall first place at the AUUS Games.
UCU, meanwhile, showcased its strength in team sports, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and football. The UCU Lady Canons delivered a commanding victory over Makerere Sparks to clinch gold in women’s basketball, while the UCU Doves men’s volleyball team secured a thrilling win over Bugema University. UCU’s women’s volleyball team also triumphed, beating Kampala University 3-1 to take gold. Their strong performance earned UCU second place overall at the AUUS Games, just behind Ndejje University.
Anticipation for Ugandan Universities at the Eastern Africa University Games
As the 13th Eastern Africa University Games approach, Ugandan universities are expected to field highly competitive teams, particularly in the areas where they excelled during the AUUS Games. Over 30 universities from across East Africa are expected to participate, and Uganda’s representatives will be aiming to assert their dominance in both team and individual sports.
UCU’s strength in team sports, particularly basketball, volleyball, and football, positions them as strong contenders in these categories. The UCU Lady Canons and Doves are expected to build on their AUUS successes and challenge for gold in the regional competition. UCU’s success in team sports at the national level will be put to the test as they face off against some of East Africa’s best university teams, including those from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
Ndejje University, on the other hand, will be looking to replicate its dominance in individual sports at the Eastern Africa University Games. With top performances in athletics during the AUUS Games, Ndejje is expected to once again lead in track and field events, with a focus on maintaining their supremacy in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Other Ugandan universities, including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Victoria University, also performed well during the AUUS Games and are expected to bring competitive teams to the EAUG. Makerere’s strength in football and Victoria University’s netball team, which narrowly defeated UCU in the AUUS finals, will be closely watched.
Maseno University to Host the 2024 Games
Maseno University, located in western Kenya, will host the 13th edition of the Eastern Africa University Games. The institution is preparing to welcome athletes and officials from across the region, with assurances from the organising committee that logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a successful event.
Maseno University has promised to address challenges faced during previous editions of the Games and is working closely with the Federation of Eastern Africa University Sports (FEAUS) to deliver a smooth and well-organised competition. The Games will provide not only an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talents but also foster unity and cultural exchange among the participating universities.
As the countdown to the Games continues, all eyes are on Team Uganda, with expectations high for a strong performance at the 2024 Eastern Africa University Games. Whether in team sports or individual events, Ugandan universities are gearing up for a showdown that promises to be a highlight of the university sports calendar in East Africa.
