Ndejje outsmarts Busitema to book spot in Ultimate University Quiz final

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Ndejje University delivered an impressive performance on Sunday evening, securing a place in the finals of the Ultimate University Quiz Season Three after defeating Busitema University 340 to 280 in a highly charged semi-final.

The victory sets up a title clash between Ndejje University and Uganda Christian University this Thursday, November 27, while Busitema University will face Gulu University, the defending champions, in the play-offs for third place.

Game 16 opened with its usual high energy as both teams took to the stage. Quiz mistress Lydia Lakwonyero reminded the audience that only one team would earn the opportunity to meet UCU, raising the stakes from the outset.

Round One was fiercely contested, with Ndejje University gaining a narrow 70 to 60 lead after capitalising on questions about African geography, historic civilisations, and independence timelines.

The crowd erupted when Ndejje University correctly identified Algeria as Africa’s largest country by land area, while Busitema University impressed with confident answers on ancient kingdoms and lusophone nations. Although the momentum shifted throughout the round, Ndejje University maintained their slight edge heading into Round Two.

Round Two, based on General Knowledge, was even more intense. Busitema University struck first by correctly identifying saffron as the world’s most expensive spice, but Ndejje University responded by naming the Vatican as the country with no recorded births since 1929.

The round featured several standout moments, including Busitema University naming France as the country with the most time zones, and Ndejje University correctly stating that Avatar remains the highest-grossing film globally. Laughter filled the room when Ndejje University gave the crisp answer “Fear of long words” when asked about the irony behind “hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia”.

By the end of the round, Ndejje University had extended their lead to 180 to 120.

Round Three, focusing on Science, kept the audience engaged. Ndejje University opened strongly by identifying that sharks have zero bones. Busitema University hit back with correct answers on alloys, chemical bonds, and the function of the temporal lobe.

Ndejje University, however, continued to widen the gap with quick and accurate responses regarding refraction, the pH of ammonia, Venus being the hottest planet, and the appendix’s role, after Busitema University missed the same question. Ndejje University ended the round on 280, ahead of Busitema University on 220.

With only the Sports round remaining, pressure mounted. Ndejje University began with sharp answers on American football, the NBA All-Star scoring record, and the history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Despite stumbling on two questions, they recovered with correct responses on the top scorer in the Euro Championships and World Cup coaching history.

Busitema University fought hard in their final set, earning points on the Munich Olympics, the Premier League’s top scorer, and Brazil’s World Cup record. However, missed opportunities, including questions on Sekafa’s newest member and the Arab Football Association, made it impossible for them to close the gap.

The match concluded with Ndejje University on 340 points and Busitema University on 280 after a spirited, well-fought battle.

As applause filled the studio, the host congratulated both teams with the remark, “You’ve brought your A-game.” The teams shook hands in a gesture of mutual respect after an intense contest.

Attention now turns to the highly anticipated final between Ndejje University and Uganda Christian University. Busitema University, whose resilience has been evident throughout the season, will meet Gulu University in the play-offs for third place.

The Ultimate University Quiz, now in its third season, airs on all Vision Group television stations. It is sponsored by the Bank of Uganda and powered by Net Studios Africa.

Prizes

The winner will take home equipment worth sh25 million, while the four participants and their coach will each receive sh1 million and a new laptop.

The runner-up will receive sh15 million, with each participant earning sh500,000 and a laptop. The third-place team will receive sh10 million, and each participant will take home sh300,000  and a tablet.

Every participant and coach, including those eliminated early, will receive sh200,000.