Prof. Kateregga hails Kampala University netball team after Rwanda triumph, hints at Super League club
By Kayiira Jackson
The proprietor of Kampala University, Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, has applauded the university’s netball team for flying the institution’s flag high after winning the inaugural Rwanda Genocide Memorial Netball Tournament in Kigali, while reaffirming his commitment to developing the sport in Uganda.
The victorious team on Wednesday presented the trophy to Prof. Kateregga at the university’s main campus, days after returning from Rwanda where they produced a series of dominant performances to claim the title.
Kampala University showcased their superiority throughout the tournament, opening their campaign with a commanding 74-14 victory over APR Netball Club before registering an emphatic 81-8 win against Kigali Netball Club. They capped off an impressive outing by defeating APR once again in the final to emerge champions of the inaugural competition.
Addressing the players during the homecoming ceremony, Prof. Kateregga urged them to remain disciplined ambassadors of the institution, emphasizing that their conduct on and off the court reflects directly on Kampala University.
“That’s why I try to dress well because I am the face of Kampala University, so the same applies to you. When you perform on the field, that is Kampala University performing. You are representing Kampala University and holding a very heavy name,” Kateregga told the players.
“You are important in promoting Kampala University through the game that you have chosen, so don’t let us down and don’t misbehave. Discipline is very important because you are the merchants of a very important good, which is Kampala University.”
Despite describing the trophy as modest in size, Kateregga said its significance extends far beyond silverware.
“We’re here to thank you, encourage you and motivate you. The cup may look small, but the spirit behind that cup is more important. As Kampala University, we will go places such that we satisfy our clients, friends and well-wishers,” he said.
The university proprietor also pledged continued support for netball and revealed plans to establish a club that could compete in the Netball Uganda Super League.
Meanwhile, Kampala University’s Head of Finance, Ronald Kamoga, disclosed that the institution had not initially budgeted for the tournament but made special efforts to facilitate the team’s participation because of the value it places on sports.
“We didn’t have the budget for this tournament because it came at short notice, but Kampala University is well known for games and sports, so we had to find all means for these girls to travel to Rwanda,” Kamoga explained.
He added that sporting success has helped distinguish Kampala University from Kampala International University in the minds of many people.
“Many people were mixing us with Kampala International University and Kampala University, so sports is a great tool and symbol that differentiates us from KIU. That’s why we invest much in sports. Again, sports is a great marketing tool for us,” he said.
Kampala University’s triumph in Kigali not only delivered the institution its first international netball title but also reinforced its growing reputation as one of Uganda’s emerging sporting powerhouses.