UCU beats Kyambogo in university quiz tiebreaker as quarterfinals kick off

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The Ultimate University Quiz Season Three quarterfinals opened with an electrifying clash between Uganda Christian University (UCU) and Kyambogo University, a contest so intense it took two rounds of tiebreakers to separate the two brilliant sides.

In the end, UCU edged past Kyambogo University 330–310 to secure their spot in the next round.

Both teams started with confidence and composure. Round one, themed Science, set the tone for what would become a fierce intellectual showdown. Kyambogo University took the first question but faltered, allowing UCU to grab the lead.

Determined, Kyambogo recovered swiftly with correct answers on topics ranging from toxicology to vitamin classifications. At the end of the round, UCU was in the lead with 90 points to Kyambogo’s 80, signaling a game too close to call.

When the Digital Revolution category began, both teams displayed impressive command of tech knowledge. Questions flew fast, from “What does USB stand for?” to “What is the name of the world’s first electronic general-purpose computer?”, and the contestants barely hesitated.

Both sides kept matching each other answer for answer, but UCU’s precision in identifying tech companies like “Amazon Web Services” and “Google Drive” gave them a small but critical edge.

At the buzzer, the scoreboard showed UCU 180, Kyambogo 160.

Then came General Knowledge, and everything changed. The pace quickened, the stakes rose, and neither team showed any sign of backing down. 

Kyambogo University gained ground with quick-fire correct responses on questions about Princess Diana and the concept of “Nirvana,” while UCU countered with accurate answers on Oprah Winfrey’s book club and Serena Williams’ 2017 Australian Open victory.

When the round ended, both teams were deadlocked at 240 points each. Then came the final rapid round, about sports.

UCU went first, sweeping through a series of high-stakes sports rivalries, nailing answers on football giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid and tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Kyambogo responded with equal intensity, recalling rivalries from India vs Pakistan in cricket to Mayweather vs Pacquiao.

The two teams once again tied, this time at 300 points apiece, forcing the judges to announce what everyone dreaded and anticipated. A tiebreaker.

The nerve-wracking session continued since first tiebreaker couldn’t separate them. Both universities traded correct answers, from the French Open to the Ashes, ending again in a 310–310 stalemate.

The quiz mistress, Lydia Lakwonyero, had to reach for a fresh set of questions in a rare second tiebreaker.

And that’s where UCU’s composure finally paid off. They nailed back-to-back answers on athletics, identifying world champions in the men’s 10,000m and marathon, while Kyambogo University stumbled on the women’s steeplechase.

With that, UCU sealed the win at 330 points, prompting cheers from their supporters and a respectful handshake between the exhausted competitors.

Both teams left the stage with pride, UCU advancing to the semifinals and Kyambogo bowing out after what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling games of the Ultimate University Quiz so far.

Prizes

The winning team will walk away with sh25 million worth of equipment, while each of the four participants and their coach will receive sh1 million and a brand-new laptop.

The runner-up team will take home sh15 million, with every participant earning sh500,000 and a laptop.

The team finishing third will receive sh10 million, and each of its participants will walk away with sh300,000 and a tablet.

Additionally, every participant and coach, including those eliminated in the early rounds, will receive sh200,000 as a token of appreciation.