By Isaac Akugizibwe

Maseno University, Kenya - Day three of the 2024 Eastern Africa University Games was a mixed bag for Kampala International University (KIU). While the Karate team delivered a phenomenal performance, clinching multiple gold medals, the university fell short in tennis, darts, and other categories.

Karate Triumphs Amid Challenges
KIU’s Karate team emerged as the highlight of the day, capturing three individual gold medals in the Men’s Kumite (combat) and a team gold in the Women’s Kumite. These victories solidified the university’s reputation as a Karate powerhouse under the expert guidance of coach Patrick Muhimpundu.

However, the team faced challenges in the group contests. After grueling performances in the individual events, KIU’s stars struggled to maintain their momentum. 

The Men’s and Women’s Kata teams settled for bronze and silver, respectively. Despite exhaustion, the Men’s team secured a bronze in Kumite, while the Women’s team triumphed with a gold medal, marking their first in this category.

Volleyball Team Eyes Glory
The KIU Volleyball team also delivered an electrifying performance, edging out Bishop Stuart University 3-2 in a nail-biting quarterfinal. They now face the Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the semifinals, with their sights set firmly on gold.

Volleyball remains the only ball game KIU will compete in at this year’s games' semifinals after the Basketball team, KIU Titans, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uganda Martyrs University on Wednesday.

Darts: Close but No Gold
KIU’s Darts teams, both male and female, showcased exceptional skill but fell short in their respective finals. They settled for silver medals after intense matches against Mount Kenya University and Meru University.

Despite the losses, the achievement marked KIU as the top darts team in Uganda and the second-best in East Africa. Some argue that having both teams reach the finals solidifies KIU’s dominance in the sport.

Table Tennis: A Disappointing Finish
In Table Tennis, KIU’s top-seeded Women’s team endured a surprising outcome. After splitting into two sub-teams for the doubles, KIU Team 1, led by Captain Aminah Namaganda and Irene Ivy Nekesa, defeated KIU Team 2 to reach the finals but fell short, earning silver. KIU Team 2 clinched bronze in the third-place playoff. The ladies added three other bronze medals to bring the total to four.

The Men's team also earned a silver in the Men's singles courtesy of John Madanda who lost to Ndejje's Banjamiin achuma while Sentamu Ali failed to reach the semifinals.

It is however a huge achievement for the table tennis contingent led by coach Jude Mutete given the stiff competition.

Woodball: A Glimmer of Hope
KIU’s Woodball team remains a strong contender, with two players already in the finals and three others advancing to semifinals in the doubles category. Mwesigye Brave reached the singles semifinals, while Ronald Tumukunde and Timothy Suuna progressed in doubles.

Chess: Fighting for the Medal Bracket
The KIU Chess team is still hopeful of securing a medal. With one win, three draws, and two losses after eight rounds, they must win at least three of the remaining two rounds to stand a chance.

Looking Ahead
As day four approaches, all eyes will be on the Volleyball team, which has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first KIU ball game team to reach the finals in these games and in the last two editions.

Eyes will also be everywhere in the woods as the KIU Spartans negotiate their path to the finals. Timothy Suuna,Brave Mwesigye and Ronald Tumukunde will be in action on Thursday.

With KIU’s spirit of resilience and determination, the university continues to make its mark on the Eastern Africa University Games. The number of medals is expected to soar by the end of day four.

KIU's Medal Table after Day Three
Karate
Gold - 5 
Silver - 3
Bronze - 4

Table Tennis 
Silver - 2
Bronze - 4

Darts
Silver - 2