UCU defeats defending champions Gulu to storm Ultimate University Quiz final

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Uganda Christian University (UCU) delivered a commanding performance on Saturday evening, eliminating defending champions Gulu University in a tense semifinal of the Ultimate University Quiz Season Three.

UCU scored 360 points while Gulu finished on 250, bringing their title defence to an end after a dramatic final round in which they lost crucial marks.

The show, sponsored by the Bank of Uganda, brought to viewers by Vision Group and powered by Net Studios Africa, opened with bright and confident contestants stepping onto the stage.

Both teams, already seasoned from earlier rounds, were introduced as “not easy teams to go against,” setting the tone for a high-stakes academic contest.

The first round, General Knowledge and Literature, was tightly contested. The universities exchanged answers at speed and tied at 80–80 after questions on global politics, classical literature, geography and historical figures. The atmosphere resembled two heavyweights cautiously testing each other.

Momentum shifted in Round Two, Science. UCU capitalised on Gulu University’s mistakes, answering steadily and opening a narrow but significant lead. By the end of the round, UCU stood at 170 while Gulu trailed at 150. The gap was not yet decisive, although it pushed Gulu University into a chase position.

Round Three, Sports and Entertainment, was lively and quick. Both sides demonstrated strong recall on topics ranging from Formula One transfers to musical biopics.

Gulu University had standout moments, including correctly identifying the lead actress in Evita, but UCU maintained their advantage. The round ended with UCU on 260 and Gulu University on 240.

The final round, a rapid-fire decider, sealed the contest.

Under the rules of the decider, each team receives ten uninterrupted questions. UCU began and produced a near-flawless run, responding confidently to questions on global politics, post-colonial leadership and world history. Their composed performance earned them a clean sweep.

When Gulu University stepped forward, the pressure was evident. Although they secured several correct answers, including identifying the United States president assassinated in 1963, they faltered repeatedly on major historical and geopolitical questions. The rapid format exposed their uncertainty and cost them valuable points.

By the final buzzer, UCU had extended their lead to a decisive 360–250, prompting visible relief among its team members. The quiz mistress, Lydia Lakwonyero, described the Mukono-based side as “a very relieved team” before inviting both finalists to centre stage for handshakes.

Gulu University, last season’s champions, bowed out gracefully and were praised as “a very tough team” that contributed to a memorable match.

The Ultimate University Quiz Season Three continues with UCU advancing to the finals, putting them within reach of the season’s top prize package, including a trophy, cash prizes and several additional rewards.

Gulu University arrived with the weight of defending champions, but UCU arrived with clear intent, and in the final round, that intent prevailed.

Sunday, November 23, brings its own intensity as Ndejje University faces Busitema University in the other semi-final.