Universities urged on talent development, excellence at the 7th AUUS forum in Mbarara

The Association of Uganda University Sport (AUUS) president, George Wagoogo, has challenged the university leaders to actively create systems that foster talent, encourage new ideas, improve management, support athletes' well-being, and establish Ugandan universities as leading institutions in sports, both within Africa and worldwide.

Wagoogo was speaking to sports tutors, university student leaders and delegates from 22 universities during the 7th AUUS Forum held at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Kihumuro Campus on Thursday.

The forum was held under the theme: “Remagining University Sport in Uganda from Participation to Excellence”

“AUUS believes that university sports should be more than just about participating for personal enjoyment. This forum provides an opportunity to think, learn, exchange ideas, gain insights, and develop practical strategies to make university sports a significant force for education, leadership, progress, national cohesion, health improvement, and economic growth.

“I especially want to thank all the speakers and facilitators for their well-prepared presentations and research findings for this forum. Your input is crucial for shaping policy,” Wagoogo stated.

He encouraged student leaders to keep their passion alive, not just in their studies but also in sports. He suggested they view their attendance at the forum as a starting point for many future opportunities.

He also pointed out that sports offer numerous career possibilities, mentioning his own path as a professional sports administrator. Wagoogo expressed his pride as an educator and supporter of sports administrators when he sees many aspiring sports leaders. He thanked the management of MUST for hosting this significant event and for their great hospitality. 

The AUUS president George Wagoogo addresses AUUS delegates and sports tutors during the 7th AUUS forum at MUST Kihumuro campus in Mbarara, June 11, 2026. PHOTO: Johnson Were

He acknowledged the presence of esteemed academics, researchers, sports officials, policymakers, and development partners who gathered to discuss the future of university sports in Uganda. “The theme for this year, "reimagining university sports in Uganda from participation to excellence," is particularly timely. University sports in Uganda have grown significantly over the years, with more students getting involved. However, the landscape of modern sports is constantly changing, requiring us to adapt our thinking, frameworks, investments, and goals.” Wagoogo stated.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor MUST, Professor Joseph Ngonzi, who was the chief guest, noted that the delegates had not only gathered to discuss sports but also to reflect on a very powerful force that shapes character, inspires communities, defines health, devolves leadership, and unlocks much human potential.

He noted that his involvement in sports really helped him become more disciplined. “Participating in sports taught me a lot about life, like how to manage my time and be a leader, so I really value those lessons. I applaud you for undertaking something so ambitious that really makes us think.”

“The idea of reimagining challenges both you and me to look past the present and imagine what could be. Through my training at various institutions worldwide, I've found that in some high-achieving sports nations, identifying and developing talent is absolutely crucial.

“When we look at our own communities, it's quite common to hear parents discouraging their kids from playing sports. They'll often tell them to focus on their studies, asking why they're wasting time with sports. They fail to realise that for some students, sports might be their best chance to succeed in life and make a real difference. “The concept of reimagining naturally prompts us to ask some tough but essential questions this morning. Firstly, how can we transform our universities into hubs of sporting excellence? Secondly, how can we push for more funding for sports initiatives? Thirdly, how can we spot and cultivate talent while still ensuring academic success? It's wonderful when an athlete also excels academically.

“We should create systems that help our student-athletes progress from just participating to winning, and from local events to national, continental, and even international competitions. I truly believe that the future of university sports success in Uganda is currently sitting in our lecture halls.” The immediate past president of the AUS, Peninah Kabenge, noted that university sports are among the best ways to shape future leaders, adding that through the university sports system, many leaders have been developed. I want to point out that many of the sports tutors here, the deans of students, and even the deputy vice chancellor have a background in sports. I was really impressed by that. “So, you can go from just participating in sports to achieving excellence. For a long time, our main focus has been on participation, which is a bit of a shame. While participation is still important – giving every student a chance to play sports for their health, well-being, social connection, and personal growth – the future demands more. “We need to stop seeing participation as the end goal and start aiming for excellence as a clear result. Many universities seem to think that if they provide the facilities for people to participate, that's enough. But I'm here to urge you all to move past participation as the ultimate aim,” she said.

“We need to actively pursue excellence. Excellence doesn't just mean winning medals, though some universities seem to think that's all there is to it. Excellence is much more than that. We're talking about excellence in how we manage things, in how we develop athletes, in our coaching, in our facilities, and in how we protect everyone involved.”