AUUS Games 2025: Kampala University expands squad despite cost concerns

Kampala University proprietor Prof. Badru Kateregga has raised concern over the high participation fees charged in university sports competitions, saying they continue to limit the number of athletes and disciplines universities can field for major tournaments.

While flagging off Kampala University’s contingent for the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, Kateregga described the charges as unfair and restrictive to sports development at university level.

“The charges are unfair, and as a result, we are limited in the number of athletes we can take. These fees need to be revised to ensure universities are able to participate in a wide range of sports disciplines,” Kateregga emphasized.

Despite the challenges, Kampala University has assembled a strong delegation for this year’s games, fielding a total of 145 athletes and 25 technical officials who will compete in 12 sports disciplines. This marks an improvement from last year’s participation, where the university competed in 10 events. Chess and swimming have been added to the programme, reflecting the institution’s growing commitment to diversifying sports.

Kateregga also cautioned the athletes against indiscipline, urging them to uphold good conduct on and off the field as they represent the university.

“Even when things are not going your way, I encourage you to remain disciplined. That is the only way you will achieve in life. As you have always carried the university flag high, I expect you to do the same in these games. I know you will not disappoint because you never have. We are not going to compete; we are going to dominate,” Kateregga noted.

University Sports Tutor Martha Soigi expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness, noting that all teams had undergone intensive training ahead of the championships.

“All teams have had adequate and quality training. We are more determined than ever, and we cannot wait to see the results that come with good preparation,” Soigi said.

Woodball coach Lilian Zawedde also shared her optimism, drawing confidence from the experience gained at the East Africa University Games.

“Locally, I believe we are ready to win our first trophy as a university,” Zawedde said proudly.

The 20th edition of the AUUS Games is scheduled to take place from December 18 to 23 at Uganda Christian University (UCU). Defending champions Ndejje University, the most decorated institution in the competition’s history with five titles, will once again be aiming to extend their dominance.