Kampala International University (KIU) men’s woodball team emerged champions at the 2025 Western Uganda Woodball Open Championship, held on November 8 at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Led by captain Deus Arinaitwe, the KIU side delivered an exceptional performance to claim gold ahead of 15 other competing institutions. The winning squad included Brian Gwaaka, Bridge Kwijuka, Brave Mwesigye, Joel Munyendo, Ronald Tumukunde, and Tonny Sekyeene.
Their female counterparts, captained by Lauryn Vanetta Nasinyama, also impressed, securing bronze. The women’s lineup featured Eunice Atim, Shakira Naguddi, Mary Namara, Carol Nasaazi, and Angellah Kabengano.
“It’s a great feeling, especially when you defy the odds like we did. No one gave us a chance to win the tournament,” said Arinaitwe after the victory. “This was a reward for our intensive training since the year began — and it’s only the beginning of what we plan to achieve before the year ends.”
The two-day tournament drew 16 teams from top universities, including Makerere, Ndejje, Kampala University, Mountains of the Moon, and Uganda Christian University (UCU).
KIU’s success in Mbarara marks a significant turnaround after finishing 11th at last year’s Eastern Africa University Games in Kenya. The institution has since invested heavily in strengthening its sports programs across disciplines, with sights now set on the National University Games in December at UCU Mukono.
