The University of Kisubi (UNIK) is set to become the epicentre of woodball this weekend as the Uganda International Woodball Open kicks off on Saturday and Sunday. This year's edition promises to be the most fiercely contested yet, with a formidable lineup of regional powerhouses determined to dethrone the hosts and claim the coveted trophy.
Regional Rivals Ready to Challenge
Teams from across East Africa and beyond, including Kenya's Taifa and Angaza woodball clubs, alongside squads from Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, are descending on Kisubi with a single goal: to give the hosts a run for their money. The international presence underscores the growing stature of the tournament and the rising competitive standards of woodball across the continent.
Hosts UNIK Hungry for Redemption
For the hosts, the stakes could not be higher. UNIK narrowly missed out on the trophy in the previous edition held in Soroti, where they were edged out by Makerere University Business School (MUBS). This time, they are determined to ensure the silverware stays at home.
Noeline Babirye Nalwoga, Ryhaan Kirabo, and Sylvia Nagginda will shoulder the mantle for UNIK. Nalwoga, who lost the final game to Denise Nanjeru in Soroti, expressed confidence in her team's preparedness. She revealed that they have trained extensively and are more than ready for the challenge, with their main agenda being to keep the trophy on home soil. She singled out teammates Angel Twinomugisha and Banitah Namatovu as key assets fully prepared to withstand the incoming opposition.
Tough Field Awaits
However, there will be no walk in the park for UNIK. Contenders such as the Ministry of Public Service (MOPS), Makerere University, Kampala University, Ndejje, and newcomers Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono are all targeting the same title. Nanjeru, now representing Kyambogo, will be eager to replicate her previous heroics, while a star-studded MOPS side featuring Joyce Nalubega, Florence Mukooya, Joan Mukova, and Christine Birungi are all eyeing the prestigious silverware.
UNIK's men's charge will be led by Michael Musaazi, Hillary Bukenya, Lipa Joel Johnathan, Jackson Masiga, and Aloysius Ssenteza, who will be eager to deliver on home soil.
Bank of Uganda and Kampala University Emerge as Dark Horses
Bank of Uganda made major moves this year by signing top players Robert Mutibwa, Simon Otim, Ken Mutungisha, and three-time National MVP Thomas Khedi, instantly counting them among the title contenders. Kampala University (KU), who upset Prisons in the opening league fixtures, are also eyeing the crown. They have been training vigorously to write their name in the record books of the Uganda International Open by the end of the weekend championship. KU is sticking to its winning formula, fielding an unchanged squad of David Kabugo, Robert Suuna, Godfrey Kawoya, and Brian Okidi in pursuit of their maiden international title.
With so much talent on display and national pride at stake, the University of Kisubi is set for a thrilling weekend of woodball action.
