UCU dominates FISU badminton championship at Makerere
The second edition of the tournament saw only five universities from across the continent participate—a turnout that disappointed organisers.
Kruthum Nalumansi and Joshua Ekochu representing UCU at the FISU Badminton Champioships
By Silvano Kibuuka
Journalists @New Vision
Uganda Christian University (UCU) emerged as the dominant force on day one of the two-day FISU Badminton Championship held at Makerere University’s Nkurumah Hall.
The second edition of the tournament saw only five universities from across the continent participate—a turnout that disappointed organisers.
By midday Thursday, UCU had taken control of the event, winning both of their opening matches. They edged Makerere University 2-1 and convincingly defeated United States International University–Africa (USIU-A) from Nairobi 3-0.
UCU and Makerere badminton players at the FISU Championship
Leading the charge for UCU were Kruthum Nalumansi in the women’s category and Joshua Ekochu for the men, both winning their singles and mixed doubles matches. Nalumansi, who also plays for CFK Badminton Academy, is set to represent Uganda at the upcoming World University Games in Germany this July.
“The championship is tough, especially with three Kenyan teams here, but I’m aiming for gold for UCU,” Nalumansi said. “This tournament is valuable as preparation for the World University Games. Winning here boosts both my training and motivation.”
The universities participating include UCU, Makerere University, Kenyatta University, Kisii University, and USIU-A—all except UCU and Makerere hailing from Kenya.
Chief referee Harriet Nattabi explained the format: “Each team plays men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles in a round-robin format. The team with the most wins will be crowned champions.”
Players of Makerere University badminton team at the FUSU Championship at Nkuruman Hall. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
However, Peninah Kabenge, President of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), voiced concern over the low turnout.
“It’s unfortunate that even well-known badminton-playing Ugandan universities chose to skip the event, citing that it’s not a qualifying tournament,” Kabenge said.
The championship will conclude with an award ceremony at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, where the FISU 3x3 Basketball competition is also ongoing.
Some of the Initial Results:
UCU 2 Makerere University 1
Kissi 0 – Kenyatta University 3
United States Africa 0 Kenyatta University 3
UCU 3 United States – Africa 0
End