By Irene Best Nyapendi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has emerged as the best university in the women’s category at the recently concluded Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games. The competitions, which commenced on the 16th of December, concluded today, the 21st of December 2023.
UCU secured golden and silver trophies in various disciplines like soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, netball, and rugby.
While UCU emerged second in the overall position, Ndejje University clinched the overall best, securing eight gold medals across various events. Makerere University secured the third position overall. The battle for supremacy was intense, with UCU bagging four silver medals in addition to their six golden
Ndejje’s historical dominance in the AUUS Games dates back from 2011 to 2019. After 2019, the games were postponed due to COVID 19, but Ndejje came back determined to take back the trophy.
Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU and the host of the event, played a pivotal role in the success of the games. Despite organizing the event in just two months, Mushengyenzi expressed UCU’s readiness to face challenges and their eagerness to host the next AUUS Games.
“At UCU, we don’t fear challenges; we take the bull by the horns. It was right and fitting to celebrate what unites us, and that is sports,” Mushengyenzi said.
He extended his congratulations to all universities that participated and expressed gratitude to AUUS for injecting funds into UCU and contributing to the refurbishment of their facilities.
Prof. Lawrence Muganga, the Chief Guest and Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, lauded UCU for their exceptional efforts in hosting a world-class event.
“UCU, you have done great,” Muganga said. “I will not stop thanking UCU because it has done a mighty job. In two months, they have managed to put together a world-class event.”
He acknowledged the high-end nature of the games and humorously wished he had delayed his arrival to witness the games firsthand.
Penina Kabenge, the AUUS president, thanked UCU for being gracious hosts and commended the unity displayed throughout the event. She emphasized the historical significance of the games and encouraged athletes to recognize that their journey doesn’t end here, as the skills honed will forever be etched in the history of the AUUS Games.
Special appreciation was given to the organizing committee, along with gratitude to partners such as Vision Group, the National Federation, and Pepsi for their support.
