Makerere stun ‘Merit’ Coach’s Victoria as hosts UCU cruise into AUUS netball semis
By Kayiira Jackson
The Netball quarter-finals of the 2025 Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, produced high drama on Monday morning as Makerere University delivered the biggest upset of the championship, knocking out defending champions Victoria University.
Makerere announced their intent with a spirited comeback to beat Victoria University 33–26, ending the holders’ title defence in emphatic fashion.
Victoria, under coach Rashid Mubiru, started strongly and edged the first quarter 8–7 to take early bragging rights. However, Makerere steadily grew into the contest, overturning the deficit by winning the second quarter 16–14.
The decisive moment came in the third quarter where Victoria struggled badly, managing only five goals against Makerere’s seven. That phase opened a four-goal gap at 23–19, swinging momentum firmly in Makerere’s favour.
Makerere maintained their composure in the final quarter, outscoring Victoria 10–8 to seal a famous 33–26 victory and book a place in the semifinals.
Hosts Uganda Christian University also underlined their title credentials with a commanding performance, cruising past newcomers St Lawrence University 31–16. The 2023 losing finalists dominated proceedings from start to finish, never allowing their opponents a foothold in the game as they marched confidently into the last four.
Elsewhere, Kampala University faced little resistance in a comprehensive 36–23 win over Bugema University. KU dominated all four quarters, opening with an 11–5 first period before extending their advantage steadily to close out a convincing victory.
Nkumba University also secured semifinal passage after overpowering Makerere University Business School 34–21. Nkumba were dominant throughout, winning every quarter (9–4, 18–9, 26–15 and 34–21) to comfortably complete the semifinal lineup.
Semifinal Fixtures (Monday Afternoon):
Kampala University vs Uganda Christian University (UCU)
Nkumba University vs Makerere University