The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) joined universities and national sports federations around the world on Sunday, September 20, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of University Sport (IDUS).
The milestone celebration was hosted by Africa Renewal University in Buloba under this year’s global theme, “10 Years – 10 Kilometres,” bringing together more than 300 students from seven universities.
The theme invited universities and national federations worldwide to complete a symbolic 10-kilometre course through running, walking, cycling or swimming, creating a shared sporting experience across campuses, cities and communities.
AUUS President George Wagogo, who was the guest of honour, described university sport as an important platform for developing students beyond the classroom.
“Today has reminded us that university sport is not only about competition and medals; it develops discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and healthy communities,” Wagogo said.
He commended student-athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment and sportsmanship, while calling for continued collaboration to strengthen university sport and expand opportunities for students to excel both academically and athletically.
Wagogo also thanked Africa Renewal University for hosting the celebrations and for its partnership with AUUS.
The participating institutions were Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Kampala University, Kyambogo University, YMCA, Victoria University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kampala International University (KIU) and host Africa Renewal University.
The celebrations featured activities across multiple sporting disciplines, including handball, volleyball, netball, Omweso, Ludo, seven-a-side football, chess, draughts, Scrabble and athletics.
The third edition of the University Handball Challenge provided the competitive centrepiece of the celebrations, with the men’s and women’s competitions played on a round-robin basis.
In the men’s tournament, Kampala University emerged champions after completing the competition unbeaten in four matches.
They accumulated eight points, with MUST finishing second on six points and UCU third on four.
The women’s title went to Kampala International University, who won all three of their matches against Kampala University, UCU and Africa Renewal University to finish top with six points.
Kampala University and UCU both collected three points, but Kampala University secured second place on goal difference, 16 compared with UCU’s 12.
The 10th anniversary celebration therefore combined the global symbolism of the IDUS 10-kilometre challenge with a broader showcase of university sport in Uganda, highlighting the role of collegiate competition in promoting fitness, teamwork, leadership and student development.
