Ultimate University quiz champions vow to retain title

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The reigning champions of the Ultimate University Quiz competition, Gulu University, have vowed to defend their title in the third season, which kicks off next month (October) in Kampala.

Dr Stella Amero Eduan, the university's dean of students, said they have been preparing since last year.

Gulu University students rewacthing the replay of the second season contest which they won. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“Our title is remaining. We are coming back with it!” she said excitedly.

“We are going to encourage our staff to be on board to encourage the students so that we bring back the medal."

Gulu University defeated Lira University in last season's final, winning with a margin of 30 points.

On Friday, a team from Vision Group, the organiser of the contest, conducted an orientation of the students.

Dr Stella Amero Eduan, the dean of students speaking to New Vision and the sponsors of the Ultimate University Quiz season three at her office. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“Vision Group, you have really lifted our students; you have kept them afloat. You have given them your back, and we are grateful. We are so happy with other sponsors like Bank of Uganda that are coming in. Incidentally, today I have just heard they are even going to offer our students an internship,” said Amero, describing the offer as a great opportunity for students.

“We can't take that for granted. It's not just good to have a brain, but it is so awesome when you have a brain and you have opportunities. We are lucky to have our students being offered internships."

Amero also paid tribute to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), one of the competition's sponsors, for its pivotal role in regulating communication channels.

“We know when you are here, definitely we shall be up there. The world will know that we are there. Sometimes universities outside the centre (Kampala) are sort of ignored; nobody even gets to know that there is a university called Gulu, but with you [UCC] on board with us, we are now known,” said Amero.

She said that when they were crowned champions last year, they received global recognition as they were overwhelmed by a number of calls.

She was proud of her students, saying they are not only good in class, but also good in other areas, including community work.

Prof. David Okello Owiny, the deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs, said the competition has elevated the visibility of Gulu University.

He, too, said they are eager to defend their title.

Prof David Okello Owiny, the deputy vice chancellor academic affairs speaking to New Vision at his office. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“We shall send disciplined students. We don't want any act that will tarnish the image of Gulu University at any level,” said Okello.

‘Champions for a second successive season’

Emma Wamboka, a fifth-year medicine student, spoke of his excitement to be taking part in the contest and said they are determined to become champions for a second successive season.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Diana Sabano, who is a fourth-year law student.

Terisa Achom, who is in her second year and doing law, said: “I am looking forward to participating and winning this quiz competition. I followed season two, and I have the confidence that I can make a good participant.”

Max Adii, the project lead, commended the university's preparedness for season three.

“Gulu University actually shows you that they are the champions. First of all, the attendance at the orientation process tells it all, and then the administration is also one that is fully in support of the Ultimate University Quiz,” he said.

Max Adii, the project lead addressing the students as sponsors Eng George Kyalikunda left and Robert Owagonza right look on. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“I think the readiness of Gulu University is on top, and we encourage other universities to do the same because they also need to fight for that same position."

What sponsors say

Robert Owangoza, the Bank of Uganda principal banking officer, told students to aim beyond class to enhance their abilities as students and as leaders of tomorrow.

“One of the things we do as the Bank of Uganda is stakeholder engagement related to financial literacy. So we encourage people as much as possible to embrace digital financial literacy. The technology has evolved over the years,” he said.

Excited students after orientation exercise at Gulu University. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

“We are talking about digital money, electronic money. We are encouraging people to embrace e-payments."

Eng. George Kyalikunda, the UCC in charge of north-eastern, lectured students on the safety measures to prevent online hackers from accessing their information.

“They have to be informed on how they can keep safe while using online services, to protect themselves. Otherwise, they will face challenges,” he said.

The tangible benefits for universities include 25 million shillings-worth of equipment for the winning university, with each student who participates and their coach receiving a brand-new laptop and one million shillings in cash.

Dr Stella Amero Eduan, the dean of students posing for a picture with Max Adii, the project lead on jacket and sponsors. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

The second-placed university receives 15 million shillings-worth of equipment, nd each student and coach gets 500,000 shillings each plus a brand-new laptop. 

In third place, the university gets 10 million shillings-worth of equipment, and each student and coach gets sh300,000 together with an iPad.

The fourth-placed university gets 5 million shillings-worth of equipment. Any other student who participates, including those who get knocked out, gets rewarded with a token of 200,000 each.