By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University (UCU) emerged as the overall champion in the Tennis Slam at the third Kings of Africa Rugby 7s and Tennis Slam, hosted by the United States International University–Africa (USIU–A) from October 4 at the KCB Grounds in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
UCU dominated the courts in both the men’s and women’s categories, collecting medals across all events.
In the men’s singles, UCU players finished first and second to take gold and silver, while the women’s singles title also went to UCU. The men’s doubles team secured gold, and the women’s doubles pair claimed silver.
UCU fielded a four-player tennis team of Lynnet Kirabo, Winnie Birungi, Trevor Kazibwe, and Frank Tayebwa, who dominated both the men’s and women’s events to secure the university’s best performance at the continental competition.
The results saw UCU finish top of the overall standings in tennis, ahead of other participating universities from across the continent.
In rugby, UCU was drawn in Pool A alongside Daystar University, University Christian University, and Maseno University. The team lost its opening game 19–26 to Maseno and drew 12–12 with Daystar.
On the second day, UCU Shepherd beat Kabarak University 19–17 and Kisii University 15–10 before losing 14–17 to hosts USIU–Africa. The team finished 10th out of 14 universities after two days of competition.
The Sepherds squad included Benjamin Muwanguzi, Allan Karuhanga, Brian Ngabo, Pilgrim Omara Walker, Mark Lagat, Dalton Nkakwesiga, Robert Ainemukama, Joshua Musasizi, Jeremiah Kaijuka, Rodney Karama, Paul Abenaitwe, Allan Mungufeni, Divine Mawanda, and Ronald Reagan Opio.
The Kings of Africa Rugby 7s and Tennis Slam bring together university teams from across Africa to compete in rugby and tennis under the Federation of African University Sports (FASU).
