By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University has flagged off 250 athletes set to represent the institution at the 20th Association of Ugandan University Sports Games. The flag-off event was held at the Bishop Tucker Building, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and the Local Organising Committee.
The games run from December 18 to 23, 2025, with UCU hosting the championship in Mukono. This marks the fourth time the university hosts the national university sports event, following previous editions in 2007, 2013, and 2023. No other institution in Uganda has hosted the games as many times.
UCU enters the competition with high expectations after finishing second at the 19th AUUS Games in 2023. The university targets the overall title, currently held by Ndejje University.
The AUUS Games bring together universities from across the country in a multi-sport festival. This year’s edition has attracted confirmed participation from at least 24 universities. Teams arrived and completed registration on December 18, marking the official start of the championship.
“Our aim as athletes is to pay back the university for the support the management always gives us, especially as athletes. The teams are ready to make UCU proud. Our coaches have prepared us fully, and we are ready to compete,” said Linda Muzigo, UCU team captain.
A total of 19 sports disciplines are featured in this edition. The programme includes football, netball, basketball, hockey, handball, rugby, athletics, swimming, and martial arts. Indoor and mind sports such as chess, Scrabble, bridge, darts, pool, badminton, table tennis, and woodball are also part of the schedule.
This edition introduces goalball for visually impaired athletes, alongside disc golf and pool, expanding inclusion and diversity in university sports competition.
Matches and contests are spread across UCU’s sports facilities and selected venues within Mukono. Organisers say the event focuses on strengthening ties among universities through competitive sport and fair play.
The games conclude on December 23, with medals and overall rankings expected to reflect five days of intense competition. UCU hopes its large contingent delivers strong performances across multiple disciplines as the university pushes for the overall crown on home ground.
