MUBS students pledge tsunami as Vision Group University Quiz returns

Makerere University Business School (MUBS) says it is in full preparation mode as it sets its sights on dominating the upcoming Ultimate University Quiz, a high-stakes academic contest organised by Vision Group.

At the university, a different kind of academic hustle is unfolding with the late-night group discussions and intense mock quizzes to prepare a team not just for answers but for excellence in the third season.

MUBS coach, Antonio Cole Kimera, says they have shifted into high gear, combining grit, growth and game plans to bring the trophy home after narrowly missing out on victory in the previous editions.

“We’re engineering this comeback with precision, running internal quizzes, mock sessions and bringing in experienced coaches to sharpen our strategy and challenge the squad.”

The competition, which targets to attract over 20 chartered universities across the country, is being sponsored by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the major sponsor, the Bank of Uganda (BOU).

The quiz is a platform that challenges students to think beyond the classroom and prepare for a highly competitive job market.

Kimera stressed that they have created scenarios to simulate the real pressure of the national stage, and they are picking up from where they left off last season.

Their preparation spans diverse quiz categories from climate change, environment, science, economics, literature and current affairs, among others.

“This season, we’re not leaving anything to chance, and we are not just participants but contenders. We are coming for the win and with God on our side- we’ll beat the rest because we have contextualised our participants on various questions.”

Max Adii, Project Lead at Vision Group, believes the quiz opens new dimensions for young minds.

“Universities need to field teams that are deeply informed and versatile,” he said. “This quiz goes beyond memorising facts as it demands critical analysis, cross-disciplinary knowledge, and confidence under pressure.

Adii, who was speaking during the orientation session at the university premises on September 12, 2025, noted that the quiz transforms the way students think about their careers and opportunities.

The rewards include laptops, tablets, cash prizes and participation that offers visibility, career insights and real-world exposure.

“You leave the quiz stage thinking differently,” he adds. “You realise you can apply your knowledge in ways you hadn’t imagined before.”

Career preparation

At the orientation, students got an additional boost from Bank of Uganda’s Jonah Waiswa, the head of stakeholder engagement, who emphasised the quiz’s real-world benefits.

“Today’s job market is not for the slow or unsure,” he told the students. “It’s for people who can process information quickly, make smart decisions, and adapt fast, which is  exactly the kind of training this quiz gives.”

Waiswa further revealed that Bank of Uganda offers internships and professional training opportunities to high-performing students, a pathway the quiz helps spotlight.

“Look beyond just winning. This is your chance to pick up lifelong skills like fast thinking, teamwork, research depth and use this to prepare for job interviews, real-world challenges, and leadership.”

Students armed to the teeth

For many students, the orientation was a turning point.

Jovia Ruth Nalubega, participating for the first time, said, “I’ve already learned so much from the training sessions. It has opened my mind not just to the quiz but to broader thinking. We already have the mindset to win.”

Returning participant Emmanuel Opejo described how the quiz has shaped his academic and personal growth:

“It pushed me to do deep research. I now understand how economies work, how to think fast, and how to pay attention to detail. These are things I use every day.”

Brian Tumusiime, also a returning quiz participant, learned that winning isn’t just about knowing answers, but it is preparation, composure, and teamwork, which they have restructured.

“We don’t want a repeat of that feeling,” he admits. “We fell short, but we’ve used that disappointment to fuel this year’s momentum. There’s a fire in the team and we’re going back smarter, stronger, and more prepared.”

The Ultimate University Quiz has proven to be more than just a contest — it's a platform to transform young minds, build confidence, and expose students to real-world dynamics.