Makerere University in conjunction with the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) is set to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018. According to the Head-Secretariat, Local Organising Committee Ms Penninah Kabenge, the event is scheduled to take place on 17th-21st September 2018 and Eleven (11) countries have confirmed participation in the Netball Championship. 

“11 countries have shown interest in participating in the Netball Championship. These  include; Jamaica, USA, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbawe, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Australia and the host (Uganda). This is the highest number to be registered in the World University Netball Championship whose Maximum is 12,” she said.

Addressing Journalists at Imperial Royale Hotel-Kampala, Ms. Kabenge said that 21 competent students from different universities in the country have already been selected to represent Uganda in the Championship.  

“The venue for the Netball Championship has also been confirmed and preparations are underway to ensure that by September 2018, the facility will match international standards for in door games. Located at Makerere University, the venue will be able to accommodate 1500 spectators. The Facility will also have a number of outdoor screens to engage more spectators,” she added.  

 During the press conference, Imperial Group of Hotels announced its interests to partner with Makerere University and Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) to provide world class   accommodation services to participants at a subsidized fee.  According to Mr. James Kasavubu, Head Sales and Marketing, the Imperial Group of Hotels will also provide 400 cartons of branded water and 24 hour transport services for the participating team.
 
“Imperial Royale was designated the media hotel for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that was held in November 2007 in Kampala. We therefore want to assure our clients that we shall provide the best services they deserve. Our ultra-modern health club, gym, and recommendable swimming pool situated on the fifth floor of the hotel and overlooking the beauty of Kampala should prepare all the athletes for what should be an intense and exciting Championship,” he stated. 

Commenting on the partnership with Makerere University and the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), Mr. Kasavubu said the partnership resonates with what Imperial Royale Hotel stands for as an internationally recognised hotel that is designed to serve the most sophisticated clients. 

“As the hotel, we can only build on that priceless experience and ensure that hundreds of guests that will check in the World University Netball Championship in September 2018 leave with exceptional, memories from our exceptional facilities and unparalleled services,” he said.

In a speech read by the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe who is also the Vice President of the World University Netball Championship, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the partnership between Imperial Group of Hotels, Makerere University and the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) is in line with what the hosts (Makerere University) aspire for, that is class and quality services. 

“The magnitude of the championship we are set to host demands class and quality. As such, we feel honoured to be associating with partners such as Imperial Group of Hotels. The relationship between University Sports and Imperial Group of Companies has been built over the years. The hospitality provided by Imperial Royale during the 1st African University Cross Country Championship and the 19th World University Cross Country Championship in Entebbe at Botanical Imperial Hotel was world class,” said the Vice Chancellor.

Re-echoing the slogan Ettuuke, a word synonymous with netball, the Senior Public Relations Officer of Makerere University, Ms Ritah Namisango called upon staff, students, alumni, corporate bodies and well-wishers to popularise and support the Netball championship.

“This is a national event. Makerere University is hosting the Netball Championship on behalf of Uganda. In line with the Ettuuke slogan, I rally all Ugandans to support the Local Organising Committee to ensure that the Championship is a success. Ugandans you have a role to play in ensuring that Team Uganda (The Mighty Cranes) wins the Netball Championship,” she remarked.

“We are calling upon students and former students of Makerere University to support this cause.  This is our event, hosted by us and in our own environment. We need to work together with the Organising Committee to ensure that it achieves its goals. We should be part of this memorable event where Uganda will leave a lasting legacy of winning the championship,” said Mr. Hery Nsekuye, Sports and Games Union Representative on the Local Organising Committee.

Mr. Brian Henry Vubya, a Volunteer at Secretariat of the Local Organising Committee encouraged Ugandans to visit the Championship website and social media platforms for updates and an extensive interaction on the Netball Championship. He thanked all the organisers and sponsors for the support they have rendered towards Makerere University to ensure a successful event. 

“Visit our website: www.wunc.mak.ac.ug and for more interaction you can join the conversation about the event on our Facebook and Twitter pages: 3rd World University Netball Championship, @wunc2018kampala respectively,” he said.

The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) in conjunction with Makerere University and the support of several stakeholders won the bid to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships 2018. Uganda was awarded the hosting rights for the event, beating Namibia, England and Jamaica. The award was based on the successful hosting of the 5th All Africa Games in 2008, the 2nd FISU World University Woodball Championship 2010, and the 19th World University Cross Country Championship 2014 among others.

The bidding was initiated by the Sports and Games Union during the Student committee to council meeting, during which the Union proposed that Makerere University hosts the 2018 World University Netball Championship. The proposal was fully embraced and received the blessing of the University Council.  The 3rd Edition of the World University Netball Championship was officially launched on Tuesday 1st August 2017 at Makerere University.

Article by: Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office

Edited by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office