Sports
VC Flags off 220 Strong Contingent to 20th AUUS Games
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 17th December 2025 officially flagged off a contingent of 220 students, 13 coaches and 3 tutors from the Makerere University Games Union to the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games 2025. The 20th Edition of the games is scheduled to take place from 18th to 23rd December at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono. The 220 students were selected from a pool of over 500 athletes following a rigorous qualification process that included a residential camp in Lumumba Hall from 9th to 17th December.
Prof. Nawangwe in his send-off remarks congratulated the athletes upon their successful selection, noting that they already qualified to be called champions, having made it out of the pool stage. “It is an honour for you to carry the Makerere flag, one of the most prestigious universities in the region” he reiterated.
The Vice Chancellor equally urged the athletes to carry the wining mindset that competitive sport nurtures beyond the field into academics and other aspects of life. He added that sports trains one to be a good leader, for it takes courage and tenacity to lead people, especially, in his case, the brilliant ones that are admitted as students and staff of Makerere University.
Prof. Nawangwe nevertheless urged students uphold God, “Always remember to ask God to go ahead of you”, for in so doing they will be emboldened to achieve great exploits. He thanked the Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and Deputy Deans-Mr. Brian Miiro and Dr. Rodney Rugyema as well as all the coaching staff for always looking out for and nurturing students’ talents through sports.
Reechoing the Vice Chancellor’s message, Dr. Kabumbuli urged the athletes to approach the games with the mindset of champions and bring the medals back home. She reminded students that as a contingent, they are not only representing the Games Union but the entire Makerere University community and urged them to uphold teamwork, resilience and discipline.
Reciprocating the Vice Chancellor’s appreciation, Mr. Miiro thanked Prof. Nawangwe for his unwavering support for sports. “Your leadership and commitment affirm the University’s belief that sports are integral to holistic education, character development and promotion of discipline, teamwork and excellence among our students.”
He appreciated the coaches, trainers and support staff for their tireless efforts in preparing the contingent and expressed confidence that they would not only compete honourably but also uphold Makerere’s values on and off the field. Acknowledging that sport is expensive, Mr. Miiro thanked the Vice Chancellor and University leadership for ensuring that the team is well facilitated.
The Captain for Team Makerere is Ms. Namutebi Rhonah Majoline also a member of the National Woodball Team, with Mr. Katsirabo Donic a member of the Makerere Enzymes Football Team and Mr. Nuwagaba Phillip also a member of the National Swimming Team as Vice Captains. The Team Doctor and GRC Games Union is Mr. Kavule Edrine a Fifth Year Medical Student. The Chairman Games Union, Mr. Akampa Bob James who moderated the flag-off ceremony rallied all teams to fight valiantly for Makerere’s flag.
In a landmark agreement signed on March 26, 2025, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Sports (NCS) for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium at the University’s Main Sports Grounds. The MoU was witnessed by Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, while Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, Chairman of NCS, signed on behalf of the council.
The new facility is set to break ground in the next financial year (2025/2026) and will be financed by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports. Designed to meet international standards, the stadium will feature a full-size football pitch, an 8-lane running track, and a modern pavilion—capable of hosting high-profile sporting events.
During the signing ceremony at Makerere University, Hon. Ogwang outlined the strategic importance of the project. “This development is a vital step in our preparations for Uganda hosting the AFCON Cup in 2027,” he remarked. He further revealed that the Ministry has allocated Shs21 billion to jump-start the Makerere project as part of an overall investment of 1.5 trillion shillings to upgrade multiple stadiums nationwide, including those in Namboole, Akibua, and Hoima. The Ministry emphasized that the stadium’s construction would adhere to Makerere University’s innovative structural designs.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This is a dream come true for Makerere University. We have long sought funding for a modern stadium, and I am delighted that the Ministry has chosen us as the site for this transformative development.” He underscored the facility’s potential to uplift student talent, foster community engagement, and serve as a hub for national sports development.
The project will be co-supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport, NCS, and Makerere University, ensuring rigorous standards and timely completion. Notably, the UPDF Engineering Brigade has been appointed as the contractor, guaranteeing a robust and secure build.
Mr. Tashobya added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Makerere University and other government entities to create an enabling environment for sports across Africa. We look forward to the university harnessing this facility, and we are committed to achieving CAF’s requirements so that the stadium can host games both day and night.” He also encouraged Makerere to identify students for training in the management and operation of the new facility, highlighting the project’s role in capacity building.
This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s sporting and infrastructural landscape, promising to deliver a facility that not only meets international standards but also nurtures the next generation of sporting talent.
A team of three Makerere University Students and a Coach are part of Team Uganda that travelled to Tunisia on Saturday 13th March 2021 for an 8 day championship leading to qualification to the Tokyo Paralympic Games. While Miss Oroma Peace who already qualified for the games in Tokyo will be working to better her time in the 100m sprint, Mr. Masisa Fred will be on a quest to qualify for the Paralympic Games. The duo was accompanied by Mr. Jagalo Joshua, a student who serves as running guide to Mr. Masisa and the University Coach for the Students With Disabilities Mr. Jameson Ssenkungu.
We wish our duo the best of luck and may they bring home top honours!
Student Profiles
Oroma Peace:
Born in Gulu District in a family of 9, she’s the only one with a visual disability.
Studying: Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS), Makerere University
Started running at Makerere University in 2019
Events Competed in: Uganda Paralympic Committee Annual Sports Gala in Mpigi 2019, Uganda Athletics Federation Time trials
International events: Morocco 2020 All African Paralympic Athletics championship where she qualified for the Japan Tokyo Paralympic Games in 100m with a time of 14:85.
Current Target: To improve her time in 100m and qualify for 400m in Tunisia World Para Athletics Grand Prix March 2021
Her message to all: “Believe in yourself regardless of your disability”
Masisa Fred:
Born in Sironko District, in a family of 4, he’s the only one with a visual disability totally blind and runs with a guide.
Studying: Bachelors of Arts in Education (School of Education) @ Makerere University
Started running in; 2018
Events Competed in: Uganda Paralympic Committee annual Sports Gala in Mbarara 2018 and Mpigi 2019; Uganda Athletics Federation Time trials
International events: Morocco 2020 All African Paralympic Athletics championship
Expecting to Qualify in 100m and 400m for Japan Tokyo Paralympic Games.
His message to all: “keep trying in life, regardless of your disability”
Miss Oroma’s athletic achievements have not gone unnoticed but have brought great pride to Africa Hall where she resides. “We in Africa Hall are proud of Peace, and can now join her to ‘WALK IN THE LIGHT’ as she flies our flag higher and higher” read a statement from the Hall’s Chief Custodian, Mr. Amuti Geoffrey. ‘WALK IN THE LIGHT’ is the Africa Hall motto.
For more details please contact:
Ms. Peninnah Aligawesa Kabenge
Head, Sports and Recreation Department,
Makerere University
Email: pennykabs@yahoo.com, penkabs@gmail.com
Tel: +256-772-403086
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