By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, MAIN CAMPUS - As Kampala International University (KIU) celebrates 25 years of excellence in education, sports, and talent development, a Julius Agaba Kabisha’s journey epitomizes the spirit of growth, resilience, and transformation.

A pioneering figure in Uganda’s Woodball scene, Kabisha’s remarkable path from a young student with a passion for football to a National Woodball Coach is a testament to both his dedication and the opportunities that KIU offers.

"As a sportsman, I joined KIU as a Diploma student in Guidance and Counselling, but my passion was football," Kabisha reflects, recalling the early days of his time at KIU.

"However, I struggled to make my university debut as a reserve player. It was not until Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the then Sports Tutor, introduced Woodball in 2009 that I found my true sporting path," he added.

At that time, Woodball was a novel and unfamiliar sport in Uganda, and KIU played a pivotal role in its adoption and popularization, quickly becoming one of the first institutions to integrate it into its sports program.

Kabisha, ever eager to find his calling, embraced Woodball wholeheartedly, dedicating himself to mastering the nuances of the game.

His involvement at KIU did not stop at playing. In 2014, armed with an International Coaching License, Kabisha returned to KIU, not just as a player, but as a mentor and instructor.

"I owe my return to Ms. Annet Kabasindi, the current Sports Tutor, who believed in reviving the glory of all sporting disciplines at KIU," he says, acknowledging Kabasindi’s role in reinvigorating the university’s sports culture. "She played a key role in ensuring that sports remained a pillar of student life."

"I am proud to be a beneficiary of the KIU Bursary Scheme. This university has changed my life in ways I never imagined," he adds.

Today, Kabisha is more than just a coach, he is a mentor, a role model, and a symbol of perseverance for young athletes at KIU and across Uganda. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and sports, as he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes to dream big.

"The Sports Office at KIU has given many talented but financially challenged students access to education. That is why I treasure KIU and encourage every young, gifted athlete to join this great university," Kabisha affirms.

As KIU celebrates 25 years of transforming lives, Julius Agaba Kabisha’s story exemplifies the institution's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, fostering discipline, and creating life-changing opportunities.

His legacy is not only etched in the records of Woodball but also in the hearts of countless students whose lives have been shaped by the values of perseverance, passion, and education.

KIU reaffirms its role as a beacon of opportunity, where the pursuit of excellence transcends the classroom and extends to every facet of life.