Kampala University signs Lilian Zawedde as woodball coach
Renowned as Uganda’s woodball captain, Zawedde’s illustrious career includes participation in five Woodball World Cups
Zawedde during coaching sessions at Kampala University main campus in Gaba. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Kampala University has made a significant move by appointing experienced woodball player Lilian Zawedde as their new woodball team coach on a long-term contract, with undisclosed terms.
Zawedde, 37, has held the title of Uganda’s number one female woodball player since 2010 and Africa’s top-ranked player since 2014.
She joined Kampala University in December 2022 with a vision to establish a woodball team at the Gaba Beach Campus. Despite having just one year of preparation, Zawedde has already groomed a team capable of competing in the East African University Games.
Renowned as Uganda’s woodball captain, Zawedde’s illustrious career includes participation in five Woodball World Cups:
2014: Sanya, Hainan Island.
2016: Jeju, Korea, where she won bronze and gold in mixed doubles.
2018: Thailand, where she clinched gold.
2017: World Beach Woodball Championship in Indonesia.
2023: World Beach Woodball Championship in Malaysia.
Zawedde during training at Kampala University campus in Gaba. Photo by Gerald Kikulwe
"Woodball is in my blood,” Zawedde said. “When I first joined Kampala University, I trained a few players who participated in the 19th AUUS Games at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, though we didn’t perform well. This year, we’ve honored all fixtures on the national woodball calendar, and we’re proud to have the best national player, Moses Agaba, and the best female league player, Aisha Nakanjako. Now, wait for us in Kenya!”
Kampala University sports tutor Martha Soigi shared that the institution is participating in eight disciplines at the games: Football, Netball, Handball, Woodball, Volleyball, Athletics, Swimming, Chess, and Taekwondo, bringing a delegation of 130 athletes and 20 officials.
“We were the gold medalists in netball last season in Ndejje and won bronze in swimming, field handball, and beach handball silver. This time, we’re aiming for a medal in every discipline we’re competing in,” Soigi stated.
With Zawedde’s leadership and the university’s strong delegation, Kampala University is well-positioned to make a mark at the East African University Games.