KIU Wins Women's AUUS Handball Challenge in First Appearance

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus — Kampala International University won the women's handball championship on Sunday, September 20th, 2026, beating Kampala University 14-8 in the final of the fourth edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports Handball Challenge held at African Renewal University.

The competition was organised as part of events marking the International Day of University Sports.

It was KIU's first appearance in a women's handball competition and its first handball competition of any kind since 2015.

What the newcomers lacked in experience, they made up for in execution.

KIU pressed high, transitioned quickly and finished clinically to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament.

KIU opened its campaign with a 16-6 victory over Uganda Christian University before routing hosts African Renewal University 31-0. The team then defeated pre-tournament favourites Kampala University in the final.

The final was more tightly contested, with Kampala University playing a physical and a more organised game than KIU’S earlier opponents. But KIU goalkeeper Shakira Kyakuwa produced a series of crucial saves to keep her team in control.

Her reflex stops in the second half against the Ggaba-based neighbours proved decisive as KIU held on for the championship.

Team captain Claire Tabingwa was named the tournament's most valuable player after leading the attack and anchoring the defence throughout the competition.

"We worked hard as a team. We knew from the beginning that determination and belief in one another would help us win," Tabingwa said.

"We supported each other and communicated well when things became difficult. That's why we won," she added.

The team was assembled only last month after trials were held in August. All nine players who featured in the tournament are in their first semester of university education.

For Tabingwa, winning their first competition together was both unbelievable and a source of pride.

"Being a champion, especially in your first competition for a new team, brings a mixture of feelings. It is a mix of pride, happiness, relief and disbelief. It feels like hard work finally paid off," she said.

KIU coach Brian Sseruhogyi was equally pleased with the team's performance.

"I commend this team for their discipline and commitment," Sseruhogyi said. "They came as beginners and played like champions."

Sseruhogyi, who was also making his debut on the KIU sidelines, said the team had the potential to achieve much more if the players remained together.

"We will have no match in this country if these girls stick together. What they have displayed here today is just the beginning of something big," he said.

Annet Kabasindi, a sports tutor at KIU's Main Campus, said the team's performance exceeded her expectations.

"These girls left me speechless. They have been here for just three weeks and have already made me proud," she said.

The men's category featured Kampala University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kyambogo University and African Renewal University. Kampala University took home the men’s trophy after edging UCU in the final game.

The KIU squad that competed Sunday comprised Tabingwa, Joyce Patience Namutosi, Priscilla Aber, Peace Acangome, Mariam Mwenyango, Asmaha Alone Kassim, Kyakuwa, Jelian Awino and Shakirah Yassin Kacu.