Kampala University Conquers Kenya Woodball Open As Wahala Strikes Double Gold
THIKA, KENYA, 19 September — Kampala University (KU) delivered an outstanding performance to emerge as the overall champion of the 7th Kenya Woodball Open, with captain Mathias Wahala claiming gold in both the men’s singles and mixed doubles.
The tournament, held in Thika over the weekend, saw KU overcome strong competition through a combination of individual brilliance and collective determination. The victory strengthened the University’s regional sporting profile and provided encouragement ahead of its bid to defend its title at the East African University Games.
Wahala led from the front, displaying exceptional consistency to finish the men’s singles competition with 92 strokes and secure the gold medal. Kenya’s Ferdinand Wesonga took silver, while Juma Ssembuusi of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) claimed bronze.
The KU captain carried that winning form into the mixed doubles, partnering with Aisha Nakanjakko to secure another gold medal. Their success added momentum to the University’s campaign and underlined the depth of talent within its woodball team.
KU’s women were equally influential in securing the overall championship. The women players claimed five of the six available gold medals, with Zawedde and Florence Mukoya combining to win the women’s doubles title. Their contribution proved central to the University’s commanding performance.
In the women’s singles, MUBS player Denise Nanjeru finished ahead of Noeline Babirye Nalwoga of the University of Kisubi, while KU’s Florence Mukoya placed fourth, narrowly missing a podium position.
Beyond the individual results, the championship demonstrated the strength of university sport as a platform for developing talent and providing athletes with opportunities to compete across borders. KU’s performance also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Ugandan woodball on the regional stage.
Kampala University expressed appreciation to its Founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Al-Haj Professor Badru Dungu Kateregga, for his continued support towards sports development at the institution. The University recognised his contribution to creating opportunities for students and athletes to participate in national, regional and international competitions.
That institutional support continues to provide a foundation for athletes to pursue sporting excellence alongside their academic ambitions. The Thika triumph reflects the value of sustained investment in talent, preparation and competitive exposure.
With the Kenya Woodball Open trophy secured, KU now turns its attention to the East African University Games. Wahala’s double-gold performance and the women’s impressive medal haul offer a strong platform as the University prepares to defend its title and build on its latest regional success.
By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer, Kampala University