By Isaac Akugizibwe 

Maseno University, Kenya - KIU continues to impress at the 13th edition of the Eastern Africa Games, with at least six individuals and three teams aiming for gold or silver as they head into day three.

The Darts Dazzle 
The darts team delivered arguably the biggest highlight of day two, with both the women’s and men’s teams securing spots in the finals amidst stiff competition and modest expectations. After defeating Mountains of the Moon University in a tense quarterfinal, the KIU women’s darts team defied the odds again, comfortably beating UCU 2-0 in the semifinals to secure a place in Wednesday’s final.

The men’s team eased past Busitema University 2-0 in the quarterfinals before overcoming Meru University, considered one of East Africa’s best teams, in a thrilling 2-1 semifinal duel. The women’s team will face Meru University in the finals, while the men’s team awaits the winner between the Technical University of Kenya and Mount Kenya University.

Karate Stars Impress
In Karate, KIU maintained a strong performance, with four players—one girl and three boys—qualifying for the Kumite (combat) singles finals. The finalists include Jean Claude Munyaburanga (under 75 kg), Hidhir Mussabu Dukundimana (under 67 kg), Flavier Munyaneza, and Sandrine Ishimwe (ladies).

Woodball Joins the Elite Class
The KIU Woodball Team Captain, Tony Sekyeene, led by example, by putting on an outstanding performance to reach the men’s woodball singles finals. He was joined by sensational rookie Timothy Suuna, whose stellar display is attracting attention. The team, nicknamed “The Spartans,” could also advance to the medal bracket if they win their sets on day three.

Table Tennis Team Hungry for More
The KIU table tennis team secured a finals spot in style. Divided into two groups during the preliminary rounds, KIU 1 and KIU 2 faced off in the semifinals, with KIU 1 emerging victorious to progress to the finals. Team KIU 2 will compete for the bronze medal. Both the finals and the third-place playoff are scheduled for Wednesday.

The university could see more table tennis representation, as players Charles Kinyua, Amina Namaganda, and Irene Nekesa are all poised to qualify for the singles knockout rounds, also set for Wednesday.

Lawn Tennis on the Verge of Glory
KIU’s Lawn Tennis Team, comprising Emmanuel Wodidi and Ronald Nasawali, is set to face Kenyatta University in a highly anticipated semifinal on Wednesday morning. A victory would see Uganda’s leading private university advance to another final.

In the singles, Nasawali will face UCU’s Dzuwa in the men’s semifinal. Wins in both matches could see Nasawali and KIU reach two men’s tennis finals on Wednesday.

Basketball and Volleyball Still Impressing
KIU’s men’s Basketball Team defeated host Maseno University 54-41 to finish the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, earning a quarterfinal spot with a commanding performance. Their quarterfinal opponent will be revealed on Wednesday morning, with the game scheduled for the afternoon.

The volleyball team is also performing well, inching closer to the medal bracket. Like the basketball team, they will discover their quarterfinal opponents on Wednesday, with the match scheduled for later that day.

Other Upcoming Events on Day Three
After a packed day two, KIU swimmer Doris Sheilla Muzira will return to the pool on Wednesday, competing in the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle, and 100-meter backstroke events. Her male counterpart, Amos Nuwahora, will compete in the same categories.
Meanwhile, athletes Jamilu Ndibailawa and Dickens Kinyera will look to bounce back from a disappointing day two as they take on the 3000-meter and 800-meter races on Wednesday.