Kampala University Netball Team Off to Rwanda for Inaugural Genocide Memorial Tournament
By Kayiira Jackson
Kampala University has intensified its commitment to regional sports development after flagging off its women’s netball team to represent Uganda at the inaugural Genocide Memorial Netball Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
The two-day tournament, slated for Saturday, 20 June and Sunday, 21 June 2026, seeks to use sport as a platform to promote remembrance, reconciliation, and unity among communities in the East African region.
A 12-player squad, captained by Gloria Aya and coached by Jessie Asiimwe, was officially flagged off on Thursday afternoon at Kampala University’s main campus in Ggaba by the University’s Chief Executive Officer, Muhammed Faquih Kateregga.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Kateregga described the tournament as more than just a sporting competition, noting that it presents an opportunity to strengthen the cordial relationship between Uganda and Rwanda while exposing student-athletes to valuable experiences beyond the court.
“This tournament goes beyond winning medals. It is an avenue for our students to interact with peers from across the region, build networks, and grow personally while representing the university and the country,” Kateregga said.
The team departed Kampala on Thursday night by road and is expected to arrive in Kigali on Friday afternoon ahead of the competition.
Head coach Jessie Asiimwe expressed confidence in his players’ preparedness, revealing that the team has undergone three weeks of intensive training in anticipation of the event.
Team captain Gloria Aya echoed her coach’s sentiments, citing teamwork and unity among the players as the side’s biggest strengths and expressing optimism that they can return home with the championship trophy.
Kampala University has in recent years expanded its footprint in regional sporting competitions across different disciplines. Last year, the institution participated in the East Africa Woodball Championship, while its men’s netball team represented Uganda at the 2026 EANA Championship in Kenya.
The university’s growing presence in international competitions continues to underline its ambition of becoming one of East Africa’s leading institutions in sports development.