Mukono, (UG): The 2023 Association of Uganda University Sports Inter University Games concluded on Thursday, December 21, with Ndejje University once again asserting their dominance by securing the overall winners trophy for the seventh consecutive time.
Ndejje clinched victory with a remarkable tally of eleven medals courtesy of eight gold medals and three silver medals, outshining hosts Uganda Christian University, who secured ranked with 12 medals but had only six gold medals.
In a surprising move, Ndejje University chose to present fewer teams in various sports disciplines, a departure from their usual strategy.
The University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Frederick Kakembo speaking at the awards ceremony attributed their ongoing success to meticulous planning, the students’ ability to balance academics and sports, unwavering support, and the dedication of their trainers.
Despite economic challenges affecting the country and institutions, Ndejje University’s limited teams triumphed, emphasizing their resilience in the face of adversity. Dr. Kakembo hinted at a broader representation in future tournaments, expressing optimism despite the prevailing economic conditions.
“What’s behind our success in sports always is; that we always plan on time, our students balance the books and sports well, we give them constant support in terms of facilitation, and our trainers are quite good, they are devoted to the University and they are around whenever the students need them and we make sure that whatever is needed to support the games is available every time, with or without the major tournaments.” Dr. Fred Kakembo noted.
“Yes, the number of teams was smaller because of the situation in the country, the economy is not doing well, and it has affected many institutions but in the next tournaments we’re going to present more teams, but again we’re happy that even the few we brought, they managed to win us gold medals,” he added.
Uganda Christian University claimed the overall silver trophy, showcasing its prowess with six gold medals, while Makerere University secured the third position with five gold medals.
The medal table featured a total of 23 universities, with Kyambogo University and debutants Victoria University securing fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
In gender-specific categories, Uganda Christian University emerged as the overall winner in the female category, while Ndejje University took the top spot in the male category. Notably, several universities, including Soroti University, Kumi University, Mountain of the Moon, and Kabale University, did not secure any medals in the 19th edition.
As the curtain falls on this edition, attention turns to the 20th edition scheduled for 2025.
The host university is yet to be announced, as communicated by AUUS officials. The event showcased not only the athletic prowess of the participating universities but also their resilience in navigating challenging circumstances.
AUUS Games 2023 Medal table:
- 1. Ndejje University -11 medals (8 golds)
- 2. Uganda Christian University -12 (6 golds)
- 3. Makerere University -15 (5 Golds)
- 4. Kyambogo University -5(4 golds)
- 5. Victoria University -9(3 gold medals)
- 6. Kampala International University 6(3 Gold Medals)
- 7. Uganda Martyrs University -2(2 gold medals)
- 8. Busitema University -1(1 gold medal)
- 9. MUBS 11(no gold medal)
- 10. Kampala University -6 (no gold medal)
- 11. MUST 4 (no gold medal)
- 12. Bishop Stuart -1
- 13. University of Kisubi -2
- 14. Bugema University -2
- 15. Gulu University -1
- 16. Muni University -1
- 17. Islamic University in Uganda -1
- 18. Nkumba University -1
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