The 3rd FISU (International University Sports Federation) World University Netball Championship (WUNC) slated to run from Monday, 17^th to Friday, 21^st September 2018 kicked off with a mega opening ceremony in the Makerere University Freedom Square. Officially opened on17^th September 2018,  by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the colorful ceremony was graced by both international and national delegates, invited guests, staff and students, as well as teams from the participating countries. 

By 6:00pm (EAT), the Freedom Square was teeming guests all eager to witness the long awaited games officially being unveiled in Uganda. The opening ceremony started in earnest with the participating teams making a match pass amidst deafening cheers from the audience and resounding drums of Ndere Troupe. The FISU flag was then presented to the guests as a symbol of acceptance to kick-off the competitions and thereafter hoisted by the Uganda Police Force alongside the Uganda flag.  Ms. Atieno Suzan and Ms. Thulie Retshabile took the oaths on behalf of participants and technical team of the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships respectively.

In a speech read by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni applauded the FISU Committee for attributing the 3rd World University Netball Championship to Uganda. He commended Makerere University, the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) and the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) for ensuring that Uganda hosts the Championship successfully. 

“Hosting the World University Netball Championship is a sign of development in sports as a country. On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to local, regional and international sports organizations and institutions that have journeyed with us while nurturing the Uganda’s Sports field,” he said. 

The President welcomed the international guests to Uganda; the Pearl of Africa, and encouraged them to visit the some of the numerous tourism sites before they return to their home countries. “Uganda is renowned worldwide for its remarkable flora and fauna, beautiful environment, hospitable people with cultural diversity. I therefore encourage you to visit some our tourism sites before you leave,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the international delegates to Uganda and Makerere University in particular. He congratulated AUUS for winning the bid to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018. 

“Hosting the game, has not only elevated Makerere University’s brand and image around the world but also presented us with an opportunity to own a world-class sports facility that can host over 2000 participants. I acknowledge the funders, Sponsors and the Organizing committee for enabling this dream to become a reality. I applaud the UPDF Engineering Brigade for constructing the Makerere University Arena in the shortest time possible,” he said. 

“In the same spirit, I appreciate the team that entrusted me with the position of being the President of the Local Organizing Committee, a position that has opened my eyes to the world of netball,” he added.

Mr. Liberty Maidza, the FISU Representative thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the 3rd World University Netball Championships. “This is the second time the championships are organized in Africa, the first one was in 2014, where South Africa organized the inauguration ceremonies of the games,” he mentioned.

He commended participants for their passion for netball and encouraged them to use the opportunity of the games to network and front their abilities.  

Guests were then treated to a glamorous performance by the Ndere Troupe with a spice of art and Ugandan cultural dances and instruments.  They were also astonished by the creativity of the Youth Development Network which added color to the cultural atmosphere with a Hindu performance. Geusts were also rocked by Vinka, one of the leading artists in Uganda.  The event climaxed with a brilliant display of fireworks that officially ushered the guest and participants into the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships 2018.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office