The halls of Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) buzzed with excitement as the institution played host to the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS). Over 28 Universities from across the country sent their esteemed delegations of Deans of Students, Sports Officers, and Sports Ministers to the event.
The gathering, which marked the first time MMU has hosted the prestigious assembly, was graced by the presence of AUUS President Peninnah Kabenge Aligawesa and General Secretary Patrick Ssebuliba. In her opening remarks, President Aligawesa underscored the critical role the association plays in promoting sports excellence and unity among Uganda’s institutions of higher learning.
“The Annual General Meeting is a pivotal event that allows us to chart the future of university sports in Uganda,” Aligawesa stated. “It is through such platforms that we can identify key priorities, secure crucial partnerships, and drive the development of various sports activities within our campuses.”
General Secretary Ssebuliba echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to attract more sponsors and generate increased revenue to support the association’s ambitious plans. “Our students deserve world-class facilities and training to compete at the highest levels,” Ssebuliba noted. “This meeting will be instrumental in unlocking the resources required to fulfill that vision.”
Welcoming the delegates, MMU’s Dean of Students, Roselyne Ssaali, expressed the University’s pride in hosting the landmark gathering. “It is an honor for Mountains of the Moon University to facilitate this critical discourse on the future of University sports in Uganda,” Ssaali remarked. “We are thrilled to contribute to the continued growth and development of this dynamic association.”
Representing the office of the MMU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Aregu Raphael conveyed the institution’s excitement to witness the event unfold on its campus for the first time. “This is a testament to MMU’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and supporting the national agenda for sports development,” Dr. Raphael stated.
The one-day event was set to tackle a wide range of topics, including the association’s strategic direction, financial management, talent identification, and the incorporation of emerging technologies in sports administration. The discussions are expected to yield concrete action plans that will elevate the role of university sports in Uganda’s broader athletic landscape.
The event attracted Universities as Uganda Christian University, Bishop Stuart Univerity, Muni University, Gulu University, Nkumba University, Bugema University, Makerere University, Mountains of the Moon University among others.
Story by: Brens Willie Wambedde, Phillip Tumwebaze and Derrick Mugume.