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.
