9th Eastern Africa University Games officially opened at Uganda Christian University

The 9^th Edition of the Eastern Africa university Games officially opened on Wednesday  17th December 2014 at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono. Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stanley Ntagali officiated at the opening of the games.

“Sports is one of the means of keeping healthy and associating with one another. The University Games present that opportunity and we are here to fully embrace it” His Grace Ntagali remarked.

43 universities represented by over 6000 participants are taking part in the biennial event last won by Ndejje University in 2012.

Chairperson, Local Organizing Committee, Anny Katabazi hailed the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the participating universities.

“This is one way of forging Unity in the East African community through sports” Katabazi said.

Africa Universities Sports Federation President, Dr. Magumbete Ralethe was present at the games’ opening.

“These games are important for regional cooperation and unity. They are also beneficial for healthy reason as well as personal development” Dr. Magumbete said.

The opening followed a 2 day sports tutors’ workshop that started on Monday 15th December and closed on Tuesday 16th.

In the main opening soccer game played at Uganda Christian University (UCU) main Stadium, the hosting University, UCU overcame Kenya’s United States International University (USIU).

Hudson Apuda, Frank Wananda and KCC F.C striker, Paul Mucureezi scored for the host university.

Uganda’s Nkumba University beat Kenya’s Ardhi 4-0 at the Namilyango College playgrounds.

There were winning starts for many Ugandan universities in basketball and Volleyball.

Volleyball defending Champions Nkumba University got their tittle defence on a good foot with a 2-0 win over Jomo Kenyata University of Agriculture.

Led by Mari Jackson, the 4 times Champion rallied a 25-19, 25-17 win over a stubborn Kenyan Side.

Kampala International University (KIU), the other Ugandan university saw off stiff competition from Kenyan side; St Paul’s University with a 2-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-23).

“We expect to improve in the next game especially in the backcourt attack” Dan Kazibwe the KIU head coach was quick to note.

Ndejje University met little resistance from Mkawa University in the mid morning encounter. The Luwero side led by Jacob Olila won 2-0 (25-14, 25-11).

In the women’s category, defending champions Ndejje university are yet to play a game due to the busy court schedule.

“They (Ndejje) are only three in their pool, so we will start their games tomorrow” said Head of Volleyball Juma Osunge

There are games going on in Handball, Woodball, Netball, Football, Volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis, Chess, Karate and Hockey and Athletics will start by Thursday morning.

The Games climax on Sunday, 21^st December 2014. Uganda’s Ndejje University is the defending champion after winning in Dar es salaam 2 years ago.