By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus- The KIU Sports tutor, Miss Annet Kabasindi has confirmed that the University will be taking part in the 2024 Eastern Africa Games scheduled for 15th-21st December at Maseno University, Kenya.

The 13th edition of the Eastern Africa University Games is expected to bring together over 30 universities from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan to compete in a wide range of sports disciplines.

This year, Uganda’s universities enter the competition on the back of impressive performances at the 2023 All-Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, with KIU particularly anticipated to be among the top contenders at the regional event.

"I can now confidently confirm that we shall be competing in the 13th edition of the Eastern Africa University games due at Maseno University from 15th to 21st December this year," Miss Kabasindi announced.

"We are very grateful to the administration for supporting sports and sponsoring over 60 athletes to go and compete at the East African regional level," she added.

KIU goes into this year’s Eastern Africa games riding high in several sporting disciplines notably in table tennis where they will be looking to extend their 14-year dominance. KIU table tennis coach Jude Mutete is confident that his current squad can bring gold back home.

“Table Tennis is always our number one sport and we have a strong team traveling for the Eastern Africa games. Being defending champions also gives us a lot of morale but it doesn’t mean we relax, that’s why our training this week is top-notch and more rigorous,’’ he said.

The team has been boosted by National team sensation, Irene Nekesa upon whose exposure Mutete will seek to build his team against close contenders in the pursuit of gold.

“It is going to be my first time to participate in the University games but I have moved places while representing Uganda. And I want to use my exposure to help KIU win gold,’’ the optimistic Irene Nekesa said.

Aminah Namaganda, the KIU table tennis team captain said, “We’ve made enough training to bring the Tennis gold back home. We have a great team bonding, we listen to each other and as the team captain, I have ensured we are consistent enough in training and bowling.’’

Besides table tennis and Karate, Woodball is the other sport where KIU excels. The Woodball team has been exceptional this year and will look to take that to greater heights with glory at the Eastern Africa University games. Team captain Tony sekyeene said that the team was particularly grateful to be part of those trusted to represent KIU.

"As team captain, I feel very fine and motivated that the university has not let us down. My teammates are happy and willing to give their best as the only way to prove our happiness, willingness and ambitiousness in regards to upholding the name of KIU," he explained.

Other disciplines where KIU is set to compete for gold include basketball, Karate, Chess, Lawn tennis and Volleyball.

The hosts of the 13th edition of the Eastern Africa University Games, Maseno University have promised to address challenges faced during previous editions of the Games and are working closely with the Federation of Eastern Africa University Sports (FEAUS) to deliver a smooth and well-organised competition.