Makerere University has emerged as the best in the Federation of East African University (FEAUS) women’s tournament which concluded on Sunday in Busia.

Makerere emerged victorious in several disciplines including rugby, chess, and tennis on day one of the competition. Hosts Busitema finished second after winning netball and finishing second in athletics, while Bishop Stuart University finished third.

In women's rugby, it was a bit of a walk in the park for them as they expected more challenge from Kenyan outfit Maseno. They believe they worked hard enough to win.

Makerere University Ches players pose with their trophies after the Federation of East Africa University Sports Women Games

“We thought Maseno would be big because they are a Kenyan University. And we thought they would win but we were training hard. So I think that also helped us because we played better than we usually do,” said Makerere captain Elizabeth Musimenta.

Busitema secured the women’s netball trophy thanks largely to the heroics of shooter Sandra Wasagali who emerged the most valuable player. This event was important for empowering the women but it also is an opportunity for the little-known upcoming talents like Wasgali to shine.

“This is a school but of course, our school has branches when games are there, we play as one campus. I am happy with how the team played and I wish to join the national team and maybe play professionally,” Wasagali said.

Makerere University Woodball team with their trophy

Controversy came when Busitema was thrown out of the football final for fielding an ineligible player. Authorities insist the player is a bona fide student of their Arapai campus and is doing a certificate there.

Bishop Stuart added a football title to their volleyball one after defeating Kumi University who took Busitema’s place in the final.

Kumi captain Faith Asekenye said they were skeptical about coming for the championship but are happy they did well amidst the circumstances.

Busitema University Dean of Students Sophie Acon (left) hands over the overall winners trophy to Makerere University officials and coaches after the games. Photos by Michael Nsubuga

We have learned a lot from these games because empowering the girl child in such sports activities will motivate the other girls. When we were coming they were telling us that we would concede 20 goals and above but we worked hard and we conceded only six,” Asekenye said.

For many athletes, this is a sign of good things to come.

Altogether, the event has been measured as a success by AUUS president Peninah Kabenge who feels the players of the games have set the right tone.

“This event is supposed to level the ground for the girl child. Most times when we are invited to multi-events where both sexes are involved, you will find people will only take their soccer male team and leave the girls. They will take the rugby team and leave the girls. So these games are meant to build the capacity of the girls, officials, coaching staff, and team managers. We hope if we insist on these games the women can break the glass ceiling in all aspects of sports management,” Kabenge said.

 Results

 Rugby

 MUK 1

Maseno 2

Chess

MUK 1

Daystar 2

Busitema 3

Volleyball

BSU 1

Busitema 2

Football

BSU 1

Kumi 2