By Edwin Kyle Kule
Uganda Christian University is set to host the 19th edition of the Inter-University National Games in Mukono.
The showpiece will run from December 15th to 21st. The Inter-University National Games will host 16 disciplines, which are expected to host about 1500 students.
The development was revealed in a press conference at the Bishop Tucker Building at UCU, Mukono.
The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president, Peninah Kabenge, was grateful to the UCU administration for accepting the request to organise on short notice.
“We are delighted to be welcomed here today. I am happy to inform everyone here that UCU has agreed to host the 19th house games in December. Thank you so much because the request came on short notice,” Kabenge revealed.
“Originally, the games were supposed to be played at Makerere University, but the calendar there hardly allows it since students will be doing their examinations,” she added.
“So we had to look for a dangerous substitute at UCU. We have had a long relationship with UCU since 2007, when they hosted their first national games. It was not easy because the country was grappling with the Ebola pandemic, but thanks be to God, they did a wonderful job. UCU has one of the best sports facilities, and it has helped to grow the sports spirit in the institution,” she concluded.
UCU expresses readiness
Even though the institution learned of the development late. UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi revealed that they are ready for the occasion and promised to organise a successful championship.
“It’s our joy to partner with AUUS to organise the 19th edition of the inter-university Games 2023. We want to take this opportunity to welcome all sportsmen and women across all universities to be part of this momentous occasion in December,” he said.
“I thank AUUS for thinking about us as a dangerous substitute to replace Makerere University when the plans could not proceed as earlier set. UCU has had a very long history of organising such competitions over the years. I am confident that we will do a very good job.”
Ndejje University has been dominant in these games, and it remains a point of time to see who will take them off the driving seat, a place they have held since 2011.