Busitema University is taking its pursuit of excellence beyond Uganda’s borders, with a 15-member sports delegation representing the University and Uganda at the 12th All-Africa University Games (FASU Games) in Cairo, Egypt.

Busitema is one of only two Ugandan universities participating in the continental competition, alongside Nkumba University. Running from 8 to 16 September 2026, the Games bring together university athletes from across Africa, giving Busitema’s team an opportunity to compete at continental level while representing both the University and Uganda.

The Games are being hosted in Cairo, with Cairo University serving as the main host, alongside the American University in Cairo, Badr University in Cairo and the British University in Egypt as co-hosts.

Ahead of the continental competition, Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako officially flagged off Busitema University’s team on Monday, 7 September 2026, following a pre-departure engagement with the athletes.

Busitema is competing in athletics, chess and tennis, with a 15-member delegation led by Deputy Chief Sports Dr. Agnes Baluka Masajja.

The trip also comes on the back of a growing record of success for Busitema in continental university sport. The University recorded an impressive showing at the inaugural Africa University Mind Sports Championship in 2020, taking top honours in women’s bridge, team draughts and women’s chess. In 2024, Busitema claimed silver at the FASU Tennis Slam hosted at Makerere University, before adding a bronze medal at the 2025 Kings of Africa University Rugby 7s Championship at USIU-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking to the team before their departure, Dr. Agnes BalukaMasajja noted that the Cairo Games mark only the second time a Busitema University sports team has competed outside Uganda, following the University’s participation in South Africa in 2016. She said the experience gives the athletes a chance to test themselves in a new environment, meet fellow university athletes from across Africa and build connections beyond Uganda.

Dr. Baluka said the Games offered more than an opportunity to compete. She noted that taking part at this level would expose the athletes to other universities across Africa while opening space for new connections and collaborations for Busitema.

She also reminded the team that Busitema and Nkumba were representing more than their individual institutions.

“Busitema and Nkumba Universities are the only two institutions representing the nation as a whole,” Dr. Baluka said, adding that the opportunity also creates room for stronger collaboration at continental level.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity to compete beyond Uganda. He noted that international engagements in sport, research and innovation continue to give the University greater exposure outside the country. 

Prof. Waako also told the team that the Cairo trip would be fully supported by University Council and Management. He announced that 18 additional scholarships would be awarded to students who excel in sport and said the University is working with the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve its sporting facilities. 

He urged the athletes to remember the responsibility that comes with representing both Busitema University and Uganda.

“When you are out there, be exemplary and represent the University as well as the nation. Be good ambassadors in all your endeavours,” Prof. Waako told the team.

Following the meeting, Prof. Waako officially flagged off the delegation ahead of its departure for Cairo.

With competition now underway in Cairo, Busitema’s athletes are carrying the University’s colours in athletics, chess and tennis as they compete alongside fellow student-athletes from across Africa.