Why Uganda dominated university regional games

By Prossy Kuteesa

Ugandans have everything to celebrate after their universities took the first, second and third positions in the Eastern Africa University Games which ended at Uganda Christian University in Mukono on Sunday.

For the third time in a row, Ndejje University has proved that it is the region’s sports power house. Kampala International University took the second position while the hosts, Uganda Christian University, emerged third.

Ndejje University deserves commendation for defending the title in a competition, which brought together 58 universities in the region. Sports administrators in the country should borrow a leaf from Ndejje University, if they want to succeed.

The managers of the national soccer team, the Cranes, which has failed to compete in the finals of Africa Cup of Nations since 1978, are particularly advised to draft Ndejje University sports managers into their ranks.

For us in Ndejje success is a result of long term strategic planning, commitment and determination. Planning for sports in any university is a challenge because students come and go. I commend our university sports managers and coaches for their foresight, tactics and techniques, which have made our university indomitable.

The commitment of the top university officials is evident. The vice-chancellor, Prof Eriabu Lugujjo,  DVC Dr Frederick Kakembo, Bursar Paul Mark Kayongo , Deputy Academic Registrar Mary Wanda, Dean of Students Paul Muyimbwa cheered up their teams and there is no doubt that their presence boosted the morale of their students.

Top university academic staff also attended, an indication that in Ndejje sports is serious business. Besides, the university has sports science course, which has enabled it to approach sports scientifically.

While the administration has provided the vital facilities for training, the students deserve a pat on the back for effectively using those facilities. The students have shown unprecedented zeal and fervor to succeed. They compete with passion. They train hard despite the tight academic schedules they have. For Ndejje nothing can stop success.

Not even the unrest shortly before the end of last semester could divert their focus on success, an indication that for them success is possible under any circumstances. 

Ndejje never dreams of losing a game and when they do lose, the pain and frustration is boldly written on their faces. This shows that sports are in their blood stream. This explains the presence of Ndejje students in the national squads for Olympics, Commonwealth and other international sports competitions.

 Our success is helped by its unique and strategic geographical location. Being in the heart of rural Luwero gives sports men and women the right environment for training. It also keeps the teams free from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Ndejje students also hail from all parts of the eastern Africa region and beyond, and this has enabled identification and tapping of talent.

The students also know the benefits in sports. Successful sportsmen are millionaires the world over. They read about soccer players in top world soccer leagues earning incredible amounts of money. Ndejje’s future is indeed getting brighter by the day and sky is, for sure, the limit.

The writer is a Ndejje University language and literature lecturer