By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University (UCU) achieved an impressive third-place finish at the 13th East Africa University Games, held from December 15th to 21st, 2024, at Maseno University in Kenya. The competition brought together 39 universities from across the region.
The phrase “numbers don’t lie” was proven true as UCU’s largest East African Games team, comprising 170 athletes, delivered outstanding performances. They secured 15 gold, 10 silver, and 7 bronze medals, marking a significant improvement from their fifth-place finish in the 2022 edition held in Ndejje, where they earned a total of 20 medals: 8 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.
The track and field team stood out, with stellar contributions from Bridget Mbwali (3 golds), Winifred Atimango (3 golds, 1 bronze), Sharif Olipa (1 gold, 2 silvers), Joseph Okolimo (1 gold, 2 silvers), Churchill Ogenrwor (1 silver, 1 bronze), Oliva Atim (1 silver), Charity Mercy Atiang (1 gold, 1 bronze), Santos Okabo (1 gold, 1 silver), and Dickens Odongo (1 gold, 1 silver).
Notably, Mbwali won a silver medal after playing in a women’s football final versus Makerere University, which concluded 4-2 on penalty kicks after 90 minutes of goalless play. She won three gold medals and one silver at the games.
In table tennis, UCU dominated the Ladies’ Singles category, with finalists Irene Wotanabeera winning gold and Flavia Amaniyo taking silver in a UCU versus UCU final. In addition, UCU won two gold medals in men’s tennis and a silver in mixed doubles.
“This is one of our best performances, in my opinion. We entered a large number of competitors, managed to have a contingent of 170 people, and were able to participate in disciplines we had not previously participated in, said Samuel Lukaire, head of UCU Sports, moments after the games.
He also noted that there was an improvement in the performance that UCU moved from fifth position in 2022 to third at the 13th games in Maseno.
“I am pleased that we were able to win 15 gold medals, as opposed to 2022, when we had difficulty winning medals. I believe we will build on this moving forward,” he added.
Dominance in team sports
UCU continued its dominance in team sports, a trend that has positioned the university as a regional powerhouse. At the 2023 Association of Ugandan Universities Sports (AUUS) Games, UCU claimed gold in men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and women’s football. They also earned silver in netball and bronze in rugby, solidifying their reputation.
At the East Africa University Games, UCU remained unbeaten in men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. In women’s football, UCU narrowly missed the title, losing 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final.
The netball team also shone brightly, edging Kampala University 37–34 in a tightly contested final.
Additionally, UCU earned bronze medals in badminton, rugby 7s, darts, and women’s woodball, further showcasing their versatility and depth in sports.
Uganda’s dominance at the games
Ugandan universities left a lasting mark, collectively winning 103 gold medals, more than any other country in the competition.
Ndejje University emerged as the overall winner with a remarkable 98 medals, including 34 gold, 35 silver, and 29 bronze. However, this was a dip from their 2022 performance of 124 medals (59 gold, 39 silver, 26 bronze).
Makerere University finished fourth, closely trailing UCU with 14 gold, 19 silver, and 20 bronze medals. A 2-1 loss in the men’s football final to Uganda Martyrs University provided UCU the edge with one more gold medal than Makerere.
Performance of other countries
Kenyan universities followed Uganda with 66 gold medals, while Tanzania struggled, earning just one bronze medal through Moshi Cooperative University.
The United States International University (USIU) led the Kenyan institutions with 49 medals (17 gold, 9 silver, 23 bronze), surpassing Kenyatta University’s 2022 performances that earned them 9 gold medals. USIU finished second in the tournament.
The games were hosted across various venues in and around Maseno University. Swimming and athletics were held in Kisumu City, football matches in Maseno School, Yala, and Luanda, and other events in multiple locations.
The opening ceremony on December 16th was graced by Maseno University Vice Chancellor Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi, who commended the athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship.
The biennial event, uniting universities across East Africa, will next be hosted in Tanzania in 2026.
Looking ahead, UCU will focus on preparing for the national university games (AUUS), which it will host in December 2025, having successfully hosted them in 2023.
Medal tally
UCU Medals
- Gold: 15
- Silver: 10
- Bronze: 7
Notable Individual Athletes:
- Bridget Mbwali: 3 gold
- Winifred Atimango: 3 gold, 1 bronze
- Sharif Olipa: 1 gold, 2 silver
- Joseph Okolimo: 1 gold, 2 silver
- Churchill Ogenrwor: 1 silver, 1 bronze
Team Sport Highlights:
- Basketball (Men & Women): Gold
- Volleyball (Men & Women): Gold
- Women’s Football: Silver.
- Netball: Gold.
- Rugby: Bronze.
