By Yasiri J. Kasango
Uganda Christian University (UCU) emerged as the overall first runner-up at the 20th edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, exciting home crowds by clinching the top spot on the medals table with an impressive haul of 9 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
Hosted at UCU’s Mukono campus from December 18 to 23, the event saw the hosts fail to dethrone defending champions Ndejje University in a display of athletic excellence across multiple disciplines.
UCU’s women’s teams, known as the Lady Canons, Angels, Lady Doves, among others, led the charge by securing the ladies’ category title with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. The men’s teams followed strongly, capturing the men’s category runners-up with 4 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal (with one additional bronze contributing to the overall tally).
The victory marked a triumphant homecoming for UCU, which has now hosted the AUUS Games a record four times.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Assistant Commissioner for Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Samuel Odong (representing the government), assured continued support for the AUUS. “Now AUUS has a unit in the Ministry of Education with a budget,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to elevating university sports.
David Mugawe, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, who chaired the Local Organising Committee, expressed gratitude to the AUUS for entrusting UCU with hosting duties. “I want to appreciate AUUS for considering UCU to organise these games, and we are always ready to host these games,” Mugawe added.
The games, themed “Harnessing Regional Integration Through University Sports Excellence,” featured over 30 universities competing in 19 disciplines, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators to Mukono.
UCU’s success underscores the institution’s growing prowess in university sports, building on strong performances in basketball, volleyball, netball, and other events throughout the week-long competition.
