Kyambogo vice chancellor urges students to embrace sports, avoid alcohol

The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof. Eli Katunguka, has called on university students across the country to take up sports instead of ruining their lives through alcohol.

Prof. Katunguka made the appeal on Wednesday during the awards ceremony of the Kyambogo University Inter-Hall Sports competitions held at the university campus.

“We are losing many young people to bad habits like alcohol and non-communicable diseases. Please participate in sports, discover your talents, and network to build a bright future,” Katunguka said.

He assured the university’s sports department of his commitment to supporting the development of sports at the institution, adding that students should be given the opportunity to explore their talents.

According to the Vice Chancellor, many youths are being consumed by bad habits, including alcohol and drugs, but this trend can be reversed if institutions of learning invest in sports, giving students a chance to engage in various disciplines.

Katunguka further noted that university management will focus on sports development and encouraged all students to take part in different sporting activities.

“We are committed to investing in sports to build a holistic person, which is our dream. I am also returning to playing sports, including chess and lawn tennis, to maintain my health,” he added.

He also praised Kyambogo University for its strong performance in the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games held last December.

“At the launch of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) facilities in Makerere, the government identified universities where facilities would be developed. We are impressed with the progress and will use these facilities to advance sports at our university,” Katunguka explained.

Meanwhile, the university’s Sports Tutor, George Wagoogo, said the inter-hall games would be used to build strong teams capable of dominating future AUUS Games.

“This initiative will help us strengthen unity among students and build a strong university team across the 11 disciplines we are competing in,” Wagoogo said.

He added that the university would promote sports including woodball, football, chess, netball, athletics, basketball, and volleyball.

In this year’s inter-hall competitions, Kulubya Hall and Nanziri Hall emerged as overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, each taking home a trophy and a cash prize of sh1m.

Pearl Hall finished second in the women’s category, while North Hall came third in women’s and second in men’s. The games are set to be held annually.

Inter-Hall competitions winners

Overall winners:

Women:

1.Nanziri Hall

2.Pearl Hall

3.North Hall

Men:

1.Kulubya Hall

2.North Hall

3.Mandela Hall

4.Nanziri Hall