AUUS Games 2025: Kampala University Set Early Pace, UCU Angels Shine

By Kayiira Jackson 

Kampala University (KU) set the early pace at the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games Netball Championship after a ruthless opening-day performance at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono.

Under the stewardship of coach Jesse Asiimwe, KU announced their title intentions in emphatic fashion, dismantling Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) 64–05 in one of the most one-sided results of day one. The commanding victory immediately placed Kampala University at the summit of the standings and marked them out as early favourites.

Elsewhere on a lively opening day, Nkumba University pulled off the shock of the tournament so far, edging defending champions Victoria University 28–25 in a tightly contested encounter. Nkumba took early control by winning the opening quarter 8–4 before Victoria responded in the second and third quarters to briefly revive comeback hopes. However, Nkumba’s composure in the final quarter proved decisive as they closed out a famous win.

Hosts Uganda Christian University also enjoyed a dream start on home court, cruising past Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 51–08 in a dominant display that underlined their championship credentials.

Debutants St. Lawrence University made a confident entrance onto the AUUS stage with a 35–19 victory over Bishop Stuart University, while Makerere University were equally impressive, dispatching Kyambogo University 41–18. Bugema University completed the day’s results with a comfortable 40–19 win against Gulu University.

A total of 12 universities are competing in the Netball Championship at this year’s Games, which form part of the 20th edition of the Inter-University Games. The tournament is being hosted by UCU in Mukono and will run from December 18 to 23, 2025.

Victoria University entered the competition as the reigning netball champions, while Ndejje University remain the overall AUUS Games holders following the 2023 edition, also staged at UCU. With Kampala University setting an early benchmark, the battle for netball supremacy promises to intensify as the Games progress.

Full Day One Results – Netball

1. Kampala University 64–05 Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
2. Nkumba University 28–25 Victoria University
3. Uganda Christian University (UCU) 51–08 Makerere University Business School (MUBS)
4. St. Lawrence University 35–19 Bishop Stuart University
5. Makerere University 41–10 Kyambogo University
6. Bugema University 40–19 Gulu University