By Isaac Akugizibwe

Maseno University, Kenya - KIU made an impressive start across all sporting disciplines at the 13th Eastern Africa University Games, hosted by Maseno University in Kenya. The games officially commenced on Monday, December 16th, 2024, following the arrival and registration of all teams by Sunday evening.

On the opening day, KIU collected one gold medal, a silver, and a bronze—all in karate. Meanwhile, the Table Tennis team advanced to the semifinals.

Karate Success
Sandrine Ishimwe became the first KIU athlete to claim gold at the 2024 Eastern Africa University Games. The Rwandan international triumphed in the Kata Karateka individual category. She also contributed to the KIU women’s Kata team, which secured silver on Monday.

Jean Claude Munyaburanga earned KIU's first individual men's silver medal after narrowly losing the Men’s Individual Kata gold to Ndejje University's eventual champion. Munyaburanga also inspired the men’s team to claim a bronze medal in Kata. Both the men’s and women’s karate teams are set to return to action on day two, aiming to add more medals to KIU's tally.

Basketball Progress
The KIU basketball team maintained a 100% record in the preliminary rounds, defeating Kyambogo University 31-28 and United States International University (USIU) 57-32. With these victories, the team secured a spot in the quarterfinals with one game to spare. A win on Tuesday will ensure they progress as one of the top seeds.

Other KIU teams Poised for Quarters
The KIU boys’ darts team and the KIU Spartans woodball team have also advanced to the quarterfinals. The women’s darts team needs a victory in their final group game on Tuesday morning to join their male counterparts in the knockout stages. The volleyball team is poised to reach the quarterfinals with a win against Moshi University. The lawn tennis and chess teams can secure spots in the quarterfinals with one win each on Tuesday.

More Hopes in Swimming and Athletics 
KIU will also compete in swimming and athletics on day two, with hopes of securing additional medals. The university’s strong start in multiple disciplines underscores its potential to achieve great success at the games.