Ndejje university scales new sports heights

By Johnson Were

Ndejje University men's side represent Uganda in the World University League 3on 3 Basketball finals in Xiamen China next month October 9-11.

To many, that is not an achievement till victory is realized on the courts, but to Ndejje University Vice Chancellor Professor Eriab Lugujjo, qualifying alone is not only an achievement but success for the Luweero based institution.

"The fact that we are not only representing Uganda but Africa in the games is a success and I don't need to wait for wins on the court to celebrate because it has given us the opportunity to network," Lugujjo affirms.

Uganda and Nigeria are representing Africa in this championship.

"This opportunity has opened up us to give the basketball playing students the opportunity to explore their talents and guarantee them full support," Lugujjo adds.

Ndejje University Vice Chancellor, Professor Eriab Lugujjo affirms that the administration is committed to supporting sports

Lugujjo believes that appearing on a world platform, opened up a lot for Ndejje to learn and that that experience will be shared thereafter to develop sports better.

The Institution founded in 1992 started basketball in 2006 and dominated Division II national league till 2008 when Ndejje was promoted to the premier national basketball league (FUBA League) where they have stamped their authority making it to the Play-offs since 2012 todate.

Ndejje committed to develop Basketball

Ndejje University Vice Chancellor, Professor Eriab Lugujjo affirms that the administration is committed to supporting sports and Basketball is now one key sport the University is to fund vigorously.

To prove his words, Ndejje has set up facilities in all disciplines including basketball courts to facilitate the growth of the sport in the institution. But most important is that the community and neigbouring schools, primary, High schools and Tertiary institutions have been allowed to use the institution facilities.

Ndejje to set up sports fund

Professor Lugujjo adds that he has started on the formation of sports Authority/Directorate in the University so that the future of sports funding is guaranteed even if him together with his sports kingpin Mark Tom Kayongo retires.

"We are forming a sports directorate /authority and we shall recruit highly qualified professionals to set up formal structures and manage this directorate so that we are assured of the sustainability of sports in this university in future," Lugujjo stressed.

What the sports tutor has to say:

Tom Mark Kayongo, the sports tutor says," the excitement is high because we didn't know we can reach such a level, but most important is that we have got the platform to boost basketball."

"We were reluctant to invest in Basketball because we didn't know what next after winning the national league because the region is not developed, but with such international forums, we are challenged to double our investments," Kayongo adds.

Kayongo adds that despite the region not being developed with very few competitions, they will invest in basketball and use the University avenues like East Africa University Games, World University Games etc to develop the sport.

Coaching and Sports Administration

Ndejje is committed to supporting basketball and as such, has employed highly qualified coaches and sports administrators to manage teams professionally.

"With a partnership with Zuku and others we want to train more and upgrade our coaches to high levels as one way of sustaining the Basketball standards in this institution," Sports tutor Mark Kayongo added.

The Ndejje on 3x3 team:

It is their debut to a world platform, but they are out to give their best.

Coach Chris Kyebambe believes that they may have challenges of size, height and weather, but that will not divert them from putting up a formidable fight for victory.

"We shall use our mobility and speed to post good results," Kyebambe Stated.
 
The 3on3 Team composition
 
Jonah Otim Kermu:

DOB: October1, 1994
Weight: 75kg
Height: 6.3.

The offensive player is the team captain and boosts of good communication skills.

Otim who is a good shooter, defender, team player and versatile player with great work rate on court holds a lot of experience, gifted when it comes 3pointers and has been decorated with the following.

-Captained Ndejje to the 2014 and 2015 University League championship titles.
-2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Zuku University Basketball League.
-2014 Top Scorer and Most Offensive player of the Zuku University Basketball league.
-2011-Represented Uganda in the NBA-Basketball without Boarders camp in South Africa.
His attitude and self-belief is a strength that guides him to lead others which is a compliment to a team building.
Despite being their first time at that stage, Otim is optimistic they will perform because as a team they are in good shape and will put up the best fight.
 
James Okello:

DOB: January 26, 1992
Weight: 65Kg
Height: 6.2.

The youngster is an aggressive player who has built his basketball carrier in short time rising to both national and regional scene being a regular on the national team.

He is a good defender, hardworking, team player, skillful gifted player when it comes to free throw shooting.
He is one who takes advice and ready to learn from both coach and fellow players which make him compliment
He is 2time Zuku University Basketball League winner (2014 & 2015) with Ndejje University.
-He is 4time national league Champion
-2013 & 2014 with City Oilers in Airtel National basketball League.
-2012 First division with City Oilers
-2011 Second division with City Oilers
 
Derrick Katumba

DOB: December24, 1992
Weight: 85Kg
Height 6.7.
He is one reliable player that is gifted with shooting skills, a good shot blocker, communicator and a great rebound winner.
-2011-Represented Uganda in the NBA-Basketball without Boarders camp in South Africa.
-He represented Uganda at the Sprite future Basketball Stars camp in USA and he is a 2 time Zuku University Basketball League Champion with Ndejje University 2014 and 2015.
The former Crane High school team captain believes teamwork and attitude will give them victory and they are not intimidated despite being their first outing on the world scene in 3on 3.
The youngster believes that they are going to enjoy the competitions, play as a team and also be able to be part of the all-stars team.

Michael Otieno:
DOB: Jan1, 1993
Weight: 65kg
Height 6.2