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UCU
October 21, 2024By

UCU Adds Disc Golf to Sports Variety

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has added a new chapter to its legacy in sports by launching disc golf as the latest addition to the university’s diverse games lineup. Disc golf brings fresh opportunities for competition and the pursuit of sporting excellence at the university.

UCU sports tutor Samuel Lukaire said the university’s collaboration with Disc Golf Uganda to introduce the sport at UCU was driven by the opportunities it presents for students. Among these is participating in international competitions, which would expand their sporting experience.

UCU's Sam Lukaire (extreme left) cuts the ribbon with other partners during the launch.
UCU’s Sam Lukaire (extreme left) cuts the ribbon with other partners during the launch.

According to Lukaire, the future plans for this game at UCU involve improving the recently created disc golf course at Besania (Ankrah) Hill. The improvements are not only to upgrade the playing experience but also to attract both national and international events to the university.

“We will organize many training camps to help develop the skills of those interested,” Lukaire said, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing talent and growing the sport at UCU.

The Federation of Disc Golf Uganda has provided a few instructors and equipment to support the training, helping to ensure a smooth introduction of the sport to the university community since the Oct.5 launch with the USA-based, Christian-focused Eagles Wings Disc Golf group. 

Israel Muwanguzi, the coordinator of Disc Golf in Uganda, said as a federation, they will continue to monitor progress and provide support whenever needed.

“When we organize tournaments, the UCU disc golf course will be one of the venues,” he said. “This will keep players active and engaged throughout.”

He says disc golf is a simple sport to learn and play. Instead of hitting a ball with a club as is the case with golf, in disc golf, players toss a plastic disc at a basket rather than a hole.

Muwanguzi notes that disc golf has significant environmental benefits, making it an asset to any community. Unlike traditional sports, which frequently require substantial infrastructure, disc golf can be played in natural settings with little damage. The courses make use of existing landscapes, helping to preserve green spaces.

Muwanguzi adds that while disc golf has been played for over 50 years in the world, it will celebrate its second anniversary in Uganda in December this year. UCU is now the fourth site in the country to have a disc golf course, following courses at Ndejje University and other locations in Katosi and Bundibugyo.

Muwanguzi said that as more universities join, the next big step will be to compete in inter-university games. 

US-based Eagles Wings Disc Golf Club members were present at the launch.
US-based Eagles Wings Disc Golf Club members were present at the launch.

In their attempts to promote the sport to various institutions and communities, Muwanguzi acknowledges their collaboration with several partners, including the Professional Disc Golf Association, the global governing body for the sport, the Paul McBeth Foundation and the USA-based Eagles Disc Golf Club. 

These organizations have all supported Disc Golf Uganda in developing courses, including at the UCU main campus.

Sam Welikhe, a second-year ICT student at UCU, expressed eagerness to explore and learn about the new sport, stating that he would like to participate in the game once the activities get underway.

Bimbona Sulphina, a first-year mass communication student at UCU, also expressed interest in participating in the new sport, saying, “If I start learning this game now, I could become an expert in the future.”

UCU
March 21, 2024By,

Pictorial: UCU Business Faculty Wins Inter-Faculty Games

The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community has continued to congratulate the School of Business at UCU for emerging champions of the Inter-Faculty sports games. The School of Business snatched victory from the Faculty of Agriculture. The sports game finals took place on Friday, 15th March 2024 at the University Football pitch.

In the football finals, the game was very tense, as the final whistle blew, the score remained zero at full time forcing players to go in for penalty shootouts. The crowd watched as each penalty was taken, feeling the tension rise with every kick. At the end, it was the Faculty of Agricultural Science who emerged victorious with a score of 3-2 against the School of Business.
The overall winner for the Inter-Faculty sports games was determined based on the faculty that scored and accumulated the highest points.

UCU’s School of Business clinched multiple golden trophies in the male’s basketball, ladies’ basketball, and netball, along with silver trophies in football and volleyball, making them the overall winners of this season’s Inter-Faculty sports games. The campus buzzed with energy, echoing the spirit of competition. Faculty of Agricultural Science secured the second position.

Miss. Agira Birungi, the UCU Guild President, commended all participants for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
“I take this opportunity to thank the student body of Uganda Christian University for taking part in the just concluded Inter-Faculty sports games. I am always proud that you exhibit our vision of inclusivity in action. Thank you for remaining disciplined all through the tournament,” Birungi said.

The Inter-Faculty sports games is an extravaganza that happens every semester at Uganda Christian University. We are all looking forward to the next Inter-Faculty sports games.
Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

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UCU School of Business Basketball Team Triumphantly Celebrating Their Victory.
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Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, and her team celebrate their second-place victory.
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The Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology team exudes excitement as they proudly display their well-deserved medals.
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UCU fans from various faculties cheering on their respective teams during the game.
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Mr. Martin Kabanda, Dean of the School of Business, and Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, were present to offer support for their students at the event. 
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Miss Birungi Agira addressing students after the conclusion of the final games.
UCU
December 18, 2023By

UCU Shines on Day One of AUUS Games

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU’s) sports teams roared into action on the first day of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games. From breathtaking basketball comebacks to netball supremacy and a nail-biting football victory, the UCU Canons, UCU Angels, and UCU Lady Cardinals made their mark on their home turf.

BASKETBALL:

The UCU Canons men’s team overcame a sluggish start and a 10-point deficit to defeat Bugema University in a thrilling overtime battle, 69-67. Coach Nicholas Natuhereza praised his players’ resilience and highlighted the weather delay as a factor in their comeback win.

“We started on a sluggish note and had a big difference to climb back from, but the boys were resilient enough to dig deep and come back with the win,” Natuhereza said.
The UCU lady canons women’s team dominated the court, crushing Makerere Sparks’s 86-21. Tracy Namugosa’s 25 points and 12 rebounds led the charge, setting the tone for their dominance.

“We have had enough practice leading up to this tournament, and we started off the right way and hope to only get better from here on out,” Namusoga said. The UCU Canons also secured a 69-63 victory against Bugema University.

NETBALL:

UCU Angels displayed their netball prowess, thrashing Bishop Stuart University 115-8. Teamwork and precise execution were key to their victory. Raymond Iga, one of the coaches for the UCU Angels, acknowledged the fact that teamwork was their strongest pillar that propelled the team to the victory.

“The win was very refreshing. The ladies have indeed proven that they didn’t waste their time training, but I must say that teamwork was our biggest asset today,” said Iga.

UCU FOOTBALL:

The UCU Lady Cardinals secured a narrow 1-0 win against Kyambogo University. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Sandra Kisakye’s penalty goal in the second half proved decisive. Despite claiming their first game with a 1-0 score line, the UCU Lady Cardinals weren’t entirely content with their performance.

“We have had our first game and have managed to garner three points and one goal. We don’t like the results per se, but we keep going on and trust the process,” said Shadia Nakya, captain of the Lady Cardinals.

However, the day ended on a bittersweet note as the UCU cardinals fell to Makerere University in a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat. The excitement continues, and UCU fans eagerly await their teams’ next triumphs on the AUUS Games stage.

UCU
December 18, 2023By

INTER UNIVERSITY GAMES: UCU Successfully Hosts AUUS Games on Short Notice

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has stepped up to host the 19th edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games in an impressive two-month timeframe—a feat usually undertaken in a span of 18 months. The AUUS Games kicked off today, December 17th, and will continue until December 21st, 2023.

This event, previously scheduled to happen at Makerere University, landed at UCU’s doorstep on short notice, and the university embraced the challenge with open arms.

This is not UCU’s first time basking in the spotlight of the AUUS Games. The university hosted the event in both 2007 and 2013. Even amidst challenges like the 2007 Ebola pandemic, UCU rose to the occasion that cemented its reputation as a reliable and resourceful host.

The president of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), Peninah Kabenge, thanked the UCU administration for accepting the request to organize the event at short notice.

“To the organizing committee of UCU, thank you for ensuring that all is set even with the short notice. We are truly grateful for the remarkable facilities, resources and cooperation provided by UCU,” she said.

She mentioned that these games bring together different institutions of different backgrounds and pursuit bound together by the common love for sports and pursuit for excellence.

This rhymes with the hosts mission, a center of excellence in the heart of Africa. 

Despite being informed on short notice, UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi assured everyone during the launch of the games that even though the institution learned of the development late, its ready for the occasion. He also mentioned that as UCU they are ready to host even the next games.

“As a sports house UCU is honored to partner with AUUS to ensure a successful sports tournament,” he said. “UCU takes sports very seriously because we aim at giving our students a complete education for a complete person.”

He emphasized that the AUUS games are entirely for students and that its UCU’s prayer that this edition will be remarkable of sports talent, team work and friendship. 

The Deputy Secretary General at National Council of Sports, David Katende graced the event as the chief guest. He expressed his gratitude to UCU for hosting the games.

“I extend special thanks to UCU who came in as dangerous substitutes and have actually nailed it,” Katende said.  UCU, thank you for your hospitality we are really enjoying our stay in this place.”

He emphasized the importance of university sports and its contribution to the holistic development of students. He also appealed to other universities to take sports seriously. 

The 19th AUUS Games is featuring participation from 21 universities, including UCU, Bishop Stuart University, Bugema University, Busitema University, Gulu University, International University of East Africa, Kabale University, Kampala International University, Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mountains of the Moon University, Ndejje University, Soroti University and Victoria University among others.

UCU is set to participate in various sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Football, Handball, Netball Rugby, Scrabble, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Woodball.

Come, be a part of the excitement! Witness the warmth of Ugandan hospitality at the AUUS Games hosted by UCU. The AUUS Games have a rich history dating back to 1992. 

UCU
September 5, 2023By

Ugandan athletes in World University games in China

By Kefa Senoga
When 33 student athletes from 10 Ugandan universities met in July to flag off participants to a global sports competition, one of the items on the agenda was to select the team captain. The athletes were heading to China’s Chengdu city to compete with students from more than 150 countries in the World University Games. 

Santos Okabo, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) student in the School of Business, was chosen as team captain. Okabo, who had never been to a world competition, competed and guided others at the July 27-August 8 event in China.

Okabo (left) with UCU head of sports, Sam Rukaiire (middle), and another athlete
Okabo (left) with UCU head of sports, Sam Rukaiire (middle), and another athlete

Okabo says his duties as captain included representing the team and country in meetings and other leadership engagements during the games. He also was expected to report to the organizers any challenges that Ugandan team members faced during the competition.

As expected, the second-year diploma student of business administration says one of the benefits he got as team captain was the opportunity to interact and share experiences with other team leaders, including sharing contacts with some of the leading athletes from other countries.

At the games, Okabo participated in three races – sprint race of 100 meters and two relay races of 4×100 meters. In the sprint race, where he emerged 6th out of 8, Okabo says he had hoped to perform better, but that two days before the race, he got sick, largely because he was not accustomed to the food being served in China. 

He is, however, grateful that they were able to reach the finals in the 4×400 meter relay race, which he participated in with Chan-wengo Godfrey from Makerere University’s Business School, Akemkwene Peter from Ndejje University and Eyit Justine of Makerere University. In that race, the team broke the university national record for Uganda. 

Other UCU students at the competition

Okabo was not the only UCU student at the competition. Olipa Sharif competed in two races of 200 meters and the 4×100 meter relays. However, he and his relay teammates did not make it to the next round. 

Okabo (back, left) during the relay race
Okabo (back, left) during the relay race

The third UCU student at the competition was Nyamahunge Jacent, who got eliminated in the semifinals. In the preliminaries, Nyamahunge had emerged third in the 100 meter race for women. The athletes said UCU supported them by financing their requirements while in the camp, including paying for their air tickets.  

According to Timothy Kabuye, the coach of the student athletes and one of 20 officials who went to China with the Ugandan athletes, the team could have performed better. 

“Nyamahunge Jacent made it to the semifinals in her category even with a foot injury, Okabo ran a personal best while Olipa ran the second fastest best time in the 200 meters that he participated in,” Kabuye explained.

Next on the calendar of the UCU athletes is the Uganda inter-university competitions set for December.

Olipa Sharif and Santos Okabo after the race
Olipa Sharif and Santos Okabo after the race

At the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in 2019, Nyamahunge won Uganda its first gold medal in the 200 meters race, beating her closest challenger, Mayak Kimura of Japan, by more than four seconds in a lopsided race. 

She is also a double gold medalist in the 200 meters and 100 meters at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. 

The other Ugandan institutions that had students at the event in China were Makerere University, YMCA, Bishop Stuart University, Gulu University, Ndejje University, Kyambogo University, ISBAT University, Makerere University Business School and Victoria University.

Okabo says he has been an athlete throughout school. While at Amuda Primary School in northern Uganda Okabo says he emerged the best runner in the Dokolo district, earning scholastic materials and a mattress as a gift. 

“After my primary education, I joined Dr Obote College Boroboro in Lira district on bursary. Upon joining UCU, I was also given a bursary,” Okabo explained.

He says his parents — Otile Oscar and Apollo Milly — were good runners during their youthful years, and so are four of his seven siblings.