By Michael Ainomugisha.
Uganda Christian University (UCU) is set to showcase its sporting excellence as its men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams prepare to compete in the 2024 FISU University World Cup in Xiamen, China.
Both teams are in Pool C of their respective competitions, UCU qualified to the World Cup after winning sixth Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship, held in Kampala on July 28, 2024, edgeing out Ghana’s University of Cape Coast (UCC)
While the Lady Canons edged out United States International University Africa (USIU) the same day.
The event, hosted by Huaqiao University on its Xiamen campus, features 24 teams from 22 universities across 18 countries. UCU and the University of Valencia are the only institutions fielding both men’s and women’s teams, a distinction that underscores UCU’s dominance in African basketball and its readiness for international success.
UCU Lady Canons, reigning African champions, are fielding a strong roster that includes Aziida Nabayunga, Aber Bridget, Shakirah Nanvubya, and Tracy Namugosa.
Their first games are against National Taiwan Normal University at 5:55 a.m. and Carleton University at 10:25 a.m., both on the main court on Saturday, November 23rd.
The men’s team, the UCU Canons, is equally prepared, with Joel Paul Kayiira, Marvin Jesse Okurut, Norbert Okidi, and Zachariah Ekirapa leading the charge. They face the University of Valencia at 6:45 a.m. and Universidade Paulista at 11:15 a.m on November 23.
Both teams have undergone rigorous preparation, aiming to extend their African championship titles to the global stage.
With tough competition from the world’s top university teams, UCU’s players will rely on their skill, strategy, and determination to excel.
Games can be streamed live on the FISU’s official website.