By Andrew Bugembe

Uganda Christian University (UCU) and a delegation from the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) have officially launched the 20^th  edition of the AUUS Games, setting in motion preparations for what is expected to be the biggest and most inclusive university sports event in the country.

The launch, held at UCU’s main campus in Mukono, brought together several AUUS officials and university leaders ahead of the games, scheduled for 18 – 23 December 2025.

This year’s event carries historical significance, as UCU becomes the first institution in Uganda to host the AUUS Games four times, having previously hosted in 2007, 2013, 2023, and now 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, expressed excitement and pride as UCU prepares to welcome thousands of student athletes. “I am here to represent both the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, who also serves as the Chairperson AUUS Local Organizing Committee”,  he said. “Welcome to Uganda Christian University, a Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa. What a joy, what a privilege to be welcoming back these games,” he added.

Drawing on his own experience as a former athlete and sports leader at Makerere University, he noted, “I used to be a sportsman myself. I played for at least one or two national teams, and during my university days, I was the Sports Secretary of Livingstone Hall. When I see what you are trying to do with these games, I am very happy because this is really what we too want to do. At Uganda Christian University, we pride ourselves in offering a Complete Education for a Complete Person, and therefore incorporating sports in our endeavors is paramount.”

Prof. Kitayimbwa emphasized the importance of sports as part of holistic education: “To educate an individual, you cannot only look at building the intellect. There is also intelligence that can be mapped to somebody being able to coordinate their body, run, and compete in sports activities. This is a high level of intelligence, and in this world, it employs many people. Young men and women are becoming billionaires by professionalizing in athletics.”

Celebrating part of UCU’s international achievements this year, he said, “You may not have heard the good news, but at the World Basketball 3×3 Games, our ladies’ team emerged third overall in the world, the first time an African team has excelled at that level. Even the team that beat us to reach the final beat us by only one point. We celebrate those young ladies; they did a fantastic job. And for our men’s team, they really tried, and we salute and congratulate them too.”

He also re-echoed the fact that UCU is leaving no stone unturned in preparing facilities for the December AUUS Sports Games. “We have invested heavily in ensuring that participants experience games like no other. We are renovating the pitches, improving branding, and strengthening accommodation, hygiene, and catering standards. Our young men and women are training very hard because they want to emerge as champions, and beyond the campus, we have partnered with schools and institutions within Mukono to ensure that this is not only a UCU experience but a Mukono experience,” he added.

The AUUS President George Wagoogo, who officially launched the games, praised UCU for its exceptional commitment to university sports and youth development. “UCU stands tall as the first institution to host these games four times. This is an outstanding record and a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to sports excellence,” he said. He congratulated UCU again for winning bronze at the FISU 3×3 Basketball World Cup Games in Brazil, calling it a historic achievement for both the nation and the African continent.

President Wagoogo announced that this year’s edition will attract at least 30 universities competing in 19 sports disciplines, up from the traditional 17. “We are particularly proud that this year, we are introducing sports for persons with disabilities. Goalball will be our first engagement for visually impaired athletes, and the bridge will also feature. These additions speak to our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and creating opportunities for every student athlete,” he said.

Highlighting the theme of the 20th AUUS Games, Wagoogo said, “University Sports: Igniting a Healthier Campus Life captures what we stand for. Sports remain a vital pillar in nurturing healthier, disciplined, socially engaged, and academically balanced students. University sports bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering unity, teamwork, and mutual respect, including values that  our society deeply needs.”

The AUUS President further recognized UCU leadership, noting, “Thank you for your extraordinary support and hospitality. Your leadership gives us confidence that these games will not only be successful but truly memorable.”

The team unveiled the AUUS Sports Games logo and immediately took a walk around the university, appreciating the calm, clean, serene, and inviting environment as they also toured the UCU Sports Facilities.

Edited by Harriet Adong Atuyambe, UCU Director of Communication and Public Relations.