Ultimate University Challenge: Ndejje edges Soroti in nail-biting quarters

KAMPALA - Ndejje University has survived a nerve-stretching showdown to edge Soroti University in one of the closest and most entertaining quarterfinal clashes of the Ultimate University Quiz Season 3.

From the moment the host welcomed the two institutions on Sunday, November 16, 2025, it was clear the stage was set for a high-pressure contest.

The game featured three major rounds before the final special segment, and neither side was willing to blink.

The agriculture and science round opened with Ndejje university laying down the first correct answer, and Soroti immediately matching the energy. From identifying legumes to naming the horticultural technique of grafting, both teams moved almost neck and neck.

Accurate recalls flew across the studio: Humus, stomata, phosphorus, glyphosate, lactobacillus. The rhythm only broke when Ndejje University slipped on a chemistry question, giving Soroti University a chance to level. 

However, Soroti University also faltered on the alley question, allowing Ndejje to counter and keep the game tight.

By the end of Round One, the margin was razor-thin, Ndejje on 100 points, Soroti on 90, setting up the tension that would define the rest of the afternoon.

The general knowledge round intensified the stakes. Soroti University struck early with the gold purity question, but both teams soon stumbled on the Santa Claus riddle. 

The misses didn’t slow them down as more answers came with rapid precision.

Momentum shifted repeatedly. Ndejje University capitalised on the sports and cartoon questions, but Soroti delivered a clean sweep on international pop culture and geography, confidently answering about Aretha Franklin, the Adam’s apple, the Ottoman Empire, Pokémon Go, and rugby.

By the end of Round Two, Soroti University had stormed ahead with 200 points against Ndejje’s 180, turning the contest into a true tactical tug-of-war.

Round Three demanded deep knowledge of African politics, history, and geography. Ndejje University returned with sharper focus, firing off correct responses on Kenya’s presidency, Goma city, Obama’s political past, and Tanzania’s leadership history. 
Soroti University wasn’t far behind, snapping up answers on Gitega, Hawaii, Ben Kiwanuka, and the volatile Virunga region.

Both teams displayed commanding mastery of regional affairs: Independence timelines, rebel movements, humanitarian crises, and Uganda’s own natural landmarks flowed through their responses. 

Each correct answer kept the scores fluctuating.

By the end of the Africa round, Ndejje had clawed back the lead—350 to Soroti’s 334, setting up a tense final segment.

The last round of linked geographical questions sealed Soroti University's fate. While each team battled to identify shared lakes and historical names, Ndejje University maintained just enough accuracy to preserve their narrow advantage.

Soroti University fought to the final second, but the earlier slips cost them the comeback.

At the final tally, Ndejje University’s consistent answering earned them a slim but decisive victory over a remarkably strong Soroti University side. 

Ndejje University emerged victorious with 350 points, while Soroti University walked away with 330 points.

The host praised both teams for a thrilling, high-intensity match that kept viewers glued to the very end.

Sponsors 

The Ultimate University Quiz Season 3 is brought to viewers by Vision Group, powered by Net Studios Africa, and majorly sponsored by the Bank of Uganda. It is also being sponsored by the Uganda Communications Commission and the National Environmental Management Authority.

The quiz has grown into a national movement that equips learners with the skills needed in today’s ever-evolving job market.

Winning teams this season walk away with a range of prizes, including equipment worth millions, laptops, tablets, and cash rewards for participants and coaches.