By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University (UCU) basketball teams, the UCU Lady Canons and UCU Canons, successfully defended their AfroVarsity 3×3 Championship titles by defeating Kenya’s United States International University (USIU) 19–15 and 21–19, respectively. The two-day tournament was held at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, from 7 to 8 June. It was organised by the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) and hosted by Makerere University.
The championship serves as the African qualifier for the FISU 3×3 World Cup, which will be held in Dubai. UCU has a strong track record in this competition, having previously defeated the University of Gold Coast to qualify for the same event in Xiamen, China.
The UCU Lady Canons were represented by Nantongo Sylvia, Tracy Namugosa, Shakira Nanvubya, and Bridget Aber. The UCU Canons squad comprised team captain Muganzi Daniel, Joel Kayiira, Flore Dushime, and Harold Amara Ariho.
To reach the finals, the UCU Canons overcame the University of Rwanda in a tightly contested game, sealing a 21–19 victory with 2:31 minutes left on the clock. The Lady Canons earned their place in the final by defeating FHB University of Ivory Coast 20–17.
The competition featured universities from across the continent, including the American University in Cairo, the University of Ibadan, RDC, FHB, ASH, the University of Rwanda, Kampala University (Tanzania), Uganda Martyrs University, Nkumba University, and others.
In addition to basketball success, UCU also triumphed in badminton. The UCU Kites were crowned champions of the FASU Badminton Games, held at Nkrumah Hall, Makerere University, from 7 to 8 June. The team included Kruthum Nalumansi, team captain Sarah Mirembe, Joshua Ekochu, and Akram Kamoga. The Kites dominated in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
