UCU win 7th Afro Varsity 3x3 Basketball championship

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons triumphed over the United States International University-Africa from Kenya, winning 21-19 in the final of the 7th Afro-Varsity 3x3 Basketball Championship at Hamz Stadium yesterday. 

This victory allowed the Canons to defend their title, marking their third consecutive championship win. 

Additionally, they have qualified for the 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 basketball tournament, which will take place in China later this year.

Despite being without key players Marvin Okurutu and Carl Loum, who are on national duty for the Africa FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2025 in Benin, the Canons were able to secure the win.

UCU Canons' Chris Dushime (left) takes on USIU's Vitumbiko Mponela during the final of the 7th Afro-Varsity 3x3 Basketball Championship at Hamz Stadium. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Joel Kayira, Flore Dushime, Daniel Muganzi, and Harold Ariho stepped up to ensure the team's success and maintain their esteemed position on the continent.

The fast-paced match started with every team eager to put their side in the lead, but it was UCU’s Chris Dushime who shone brightest for the championship with 12 points in the final, including ten from 2-point range.

The exciting and highly charged final had UCU take a 10-6 lead in the opening four minutes, which they stretched to 18-15 with three minutes to play.

But with two minutes left, USIU stepped up with Vitumbiko Mponela and Joshua Athian tying the contest at 19-19, but Kayira ensured the victory with two points from the charity line after he was fouled by Deng Koul.

“We knew it was going to be tough, but we came out and fought strong. It wasn’t easy, but we had no option but to fight. They are a good team, and they gave us a good challenge, but we were ready for the fight,” UCU team captain Muganzi said.

Muganzi now hopes his side can put up a similar fight in China, where they are headed for the third time in a row. He said they had also prepared very well for the event for over a month.

Action from the finals of the FASU 3X3 Afrobasket between the UCU Lady Canons and the USIU at the Hamz Stadium on Sunday. The Lady Canons won 19-15. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Last time we didn’t perform very well but this time with the new team we have, I think we can make it out of the group stages.”

“This is my first outing with the team, and I feel very happy. It is all amazing, and we are all very excited. Unlike the other teams, we stuck to our plays from training, and that helped a lot,” Muganzi stated.

Prior to the event, team coach Emmanuel Kiguyi had full confidence in his squad, saying it was a blend of new and old players, and they delivered to his expectations.

The championship attracted 18 men's and 14 women's teams from different universities across the continent.