University quiz finalists share winning tips
“For us, even the scouting done by the administration helped us select a team that could actually handle the pressure. Not everyone may manage these questions. Having a high CGPA does not automatically mean someone is fit for this. You need people who are fast, daring and determined. Those are the ones who can push at this level,” said Ndejje University's Ssenyondo.
University quiz finalists Davis Lakica, Captain, Ndejje University, and Uganda Christian University’s captain Timothy Kisembo. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Dauda Ssenyondo, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Year 3. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi) Flavia Nakirijja, Year 3, Bachelor of Accounting and Finance. Davis Lakica, Year 3, Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Timothy Kisembo, Bachelor of Laws, Year 2.
KAMPALA - As the curtains fell on Season Three of the Ultimate University Quiz, the finalists stepped back to reflect on what pushed them this far, and what other universities can learn if they hope to compete at this level.
During the award ceremony that took place Thursday at Vision Group Headquarters in Kampala, the participants’ advice, drawn from weeks of pressure, strategy and self-correction, paints a clear picture: preparation, diversity, confidence and teamwork are the real currency of success.
Dauda Senyondo, Ndejje University
“What made us go far was being well-versed in most of the categories asked in this competition. Universities need to prepare, real preparation, and do research because most of the questions are general knowledge mixed with global ideologies. You have to give yourself time to learn, unlearn and relearn.
“For us, even the scouting done by the administration helped us select a team that could actually handle the pressure. Not everyone may manage these questions. Having a high CGPA does not automatically mean someone is fit for this. You need people who are fast, daring and determined. Those are the ones who can push at this level.”
Flavia Nakirijja, Ndejje University
“I want to tell anyone who wants to return next season, don’t give up. Have team spirit. Keep doing continuous research so that your mind grows in different subjects. That is what makes you stand out.
“This was our first time in this competition, so we had to understand quickly how things are done here. Our coach kept telling us to be fearless and confident. Confidence is everything. Many dropped out because they lacked it, and once you fear, your score drops. So, keep the team spirit alive, work with your colleagues and aim higher.”
Davis Lakica, Captain, Ndejje University
“To be honest, we didn’t have as much time to prepare, but we made a strategic decision, and we chose a diverse team. We made sure the students were from different faculties so each one could cover a specific field. That widens your chances of getting more questions right.
“My advice to teams that dropped off is simple: believe in yourself. Many teams lost because of self-doubt. You need team bonding, too. If I were to improve anything next time, it would be more preparation and deeper bonding, because some answers we missed were due to debating. We weren’t on the same page at certain moments. Team chemistry matters.”
Rev. Olivia Nassaka Banja, Vice Chancellor, Ndejje University
“I am glad my students got the opportunity to take part in this quiz. It allowed them to share their knowledge but also exposed them to real-world challenges. This competition has built their confidence and their networks, things that are useful beyond the classroom.
“In preparation, we coached them and did dry runs. They showed resilience and determination. Our strength is engineering, but we selected students from other fields too, so they could handle the wide range of questions asked. That balance made a difference.”
Francis Byaruhanga, UCU Coach
“We were set up for success from the word go. Everything we did along the way was about preparation, prayer and being relentless. We had to be confident at every stage. The teams we faced were tough. In fact, I believe we had the toughest games of the competition.
“Our strategies were simple: put together a balanced team, build a fighting spirit and keep God at the centre of everything. Those three elements kept us locked in. My advice to teams trying again next season is this: review your mistakes, fix them and come back better.”
Timothy Kisembo, Captain, UCU
“What I noticed is that most teams had four people, but in the three who played, there was usually one who wasn’t strong enough. Many relied on the person in the middle who knew most of the answers. That’s not balanced. You need to study the range of topics they release beforehand and divide them. Let everyone take on a niche.
“Last year, we lost because of the economics and finance round. In season one, it was the science and technology round. This year, we made sure to fix that by selecting people strong in those areas. We also had dry runs and started intense preparations two weeks before the competition.”
Emmanuel Nabimanya, Captain, Gulu University
“As a university, we always have our own quiz competitions, which help us pick the right participants. We break down topics and give them to everyone so they gain a wide knowledge base. When topics are broken down, it becomes easier to remember things.
“My advice to teams is simple: come prepared. And involve God in your preparations. It helped us a lot throughout this competition.”