By: Kayiira Jackson
The 2024 Eastern Africa University Games officially opened Tuesday by the Vice Chancellor of the hosting University, Maseno University.
While giving his speech before the Dean of Students, sports directors of different Universities, Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi asked even Kenyan Universities to travel to other countries when they host the games so that the relationship among the three countries continues to grow.
“We are happy that we are the hosts of the 13th Edition of these games, many Universities have come, Maseno has not been traveling to other countries but we have put it in our budget that the University has to travel and attend these games because they create relationship among East Africa.” Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi said in his speech.
The Theme for this 13th edition is; “Harnessing Regional Integration Through Sports Excellence”
The Federation of East Africa University Sports Secretary General, Brian Miiro stated that the University hosted 39 Universities taking part in various sports disciplines. At least 3000 people hosted at Maseno of whom 2600 are students. Brian also asserted that the 14th edition shall be hosted in Tanzania
“We are happy that we have had 39 Universities from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, this is an improvement from the last edition in Ndejje, we had few Universities not coming because of ebola scare but we have all the representation here and we have various disciplines, male and female and we also have adaptive sports where we have goal ball as one of the games that we have for our students. ” Said FEAUS Secretary General Brian Miiro.
The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) president Penninah Kabenge thanked Uganda Universities that traveled Maseno University and she is optimistic that Uganda is in Kenya to conquer.
“The organization so far is good, I know every organizer builds on the challenges and the success of the others, there is a number of things we can learn from here. I am happy with my Universities in Uganda, we have 39 Universities here but half of the number is from Uganda, I want to thank them for honoring this invitation and we will definitely take back the glory as Uganda, we’re here to conquer
” AUUS president, Penninah Kabenge
For starters , Uganda was represented by 17 Universities the biggest number in the tournament.
So far Uganda’s representatives are performing better and 90% of teams in men football have qualified to knockout stage, the same applies to women football, Netball and Handball.
The games shall climax on Friday 20th December 2024.
