General
Pure Bliss as Uganda Hosts and Wins the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship
As soon as the final whistle was blown, jubilations and celebrations erupted among Ugandans who had come to cheer the Mighty Cranes during the final match of the 3rd World University Netball Championship. Hosts Uganda beat defending Champions South Africa 44-43 in the highly anticipated, hotly competitive Final Game.
The FISU World University Netball Championship which started on Monday, 17th September ended blissfully for Uganda on Friday, 21st September 2018 with the triumphant hosts lifting the trophy. The Championship attracted six other countries including USA, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Kenya and South Africa.
During the closing ceremony that was held in the Makerere University Sports Arena, a jovial Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, congratulated the Mighty Cranes upon their historic victory. He also commended South Africa for putting up a defensive game and Singapore for emerging third in the 2018 Championship.
“I also thank the delegations from the six countries namely; Kenya, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA and Zimbabwe for accepting our invitation. I thank the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for entrusting the Republic of Uganda and Makerere University with hosting the 2018 Championship,” he said.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Ministry of Education and Sports, the leadership of Makerere University, partners, event sponsors and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) for ensuring that a successful event was held. He also thanked the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Engineering Brigade in particular for ensuring that the sports facility was ready for the Championship.
According to Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, sport is an important tool for promoting unity and team spirit. It is a discipline that teaches people to live harmoniously and peacefully in societies. He therefore called upon students to exhibit their talents and also promote their universities and Uganda at large through sports.
“I can attest to the fact that sports can be played alongside academics. For years, the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports has supported students a with a sports talent to pursue education in the respective universities,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the Mighty Cranes upon the well-deserved victory. In the same spirit he commended all participants for their energetic performances.
“Throughout this Championship, I noted that all participants put up spirited, skillful and professional performances. I therefore appreciate the heads of delegation, managers, coaches and sports tutors of the respective teams for a job well done,” said the Vice Chancellor.
“In a special way allow me to thank Team Uganda; The Mighty Cranes, for the passion and professionalism they have exhibited throughout the games. You have dearly defended and promoted the netball brand of Uganda and our respective universities. Your talent and creative play has endeared us to other countries as experts in netball. Thank you so much!” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe commended the professional conduct of the 2018 Championship referees and the technical team, the efforts of the Local organizing committee and the volunteers that guaranteed the smooth running of the games. He as well applauded the UPDF Engineering Brigade for constructing a world class indoor sports facility as a befitting legacy to the event.
He thanked the Government of Uganda and in particular the H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for extending support worth UGX5.57billion to the construction of the Makerere University Arena.
“On behalf of FISU and sister members, I appreciate the hosts, the international and local organizing committees, the coaches, players and volunteers for the job well done. This game ended with excitement. As the FISU President, it gives me great pride and joy to say that we have successfully held the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018. Webale Uganda, webale Makerere University,” said Mr. Liberty Maidza, the FISU President’s representative.
The closing ceremony climaxed with a grand dinner at Imperial Royale Hotel.
#WUNC2018Kampala
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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