Gulu University and Makerere University Face Off in Intense Goalball Showdown
When Gulu University defeated Makerere University Business School (Mubs) 6-2, the competition for the title at the National Disability Sports Gala in Masaka became clear: it was either Gulu or Makerere. The rivalry between these two institutions reached its peak when they met in a crucial match that would determine the outcome of the tournament.
Makerere University’s male goalball team had already made a strong statement by defeating Kyambogo University 7-3, showing their determination to reach the gold medal. However, the battle against Gulu proved to be one of the most intense matches of the event.
In a tightly contested match, Makerere emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Peter Ntale. This victory gave Makerere six points, three more than Gulu, securing their position as the top team in the group stage.
Gulu, on the other hand, showcased their dominance by defeating Kyambogo University 8-0, taking the lead in the standings due to a superior goal difference. This meant that Makerere needed at least a point against Mubs to maintain their lead and avoid handing the title to Gulu.
The match against Mubs turned out to be a test of nerves for Makerere. Mubs scored first in the second half through Fred Lubangkene, creating significant pressure on the Makerere team. At the same time, Paul Kakooza, who had been a key player in previous games, did not attempt a single throw, while Bernard Ampeire, who had performed well against Kyambogo, was not even in the lineup. These tactical decisions nearly cost them the match.
However, Kakooza finally took a shot, which was blocked by Gulu. His next attempt resulted in a goal, equalizing the score at 1-1. This crucial equalizer allowed Makerere to claim the gold medal with seven points, while Gulu settled for silver with six points. Mubs secured bronze with four points, and Kyambogo finished fourth with no points.
“We were playing well but the last few games we played under pressure, which somehow slowed us down and we didn’t score as many goals as we had expected. Beating Gulu 1-0 was a rare result… but we managed to win,” said Makerere coach James Ssenkungu. “I was also shocked by our sister university Mubs. I didn’t know they would give us such a hard time.”
Even among the female teams, Mubs put up a strong challenge. They drew 1-1 with Makerere, but Makerere still managed to secure seven points, while Gulu got six. Kyambogo rose to third place with three points, relegating Mubs to fourth place.
Makerere also dominated the MVP awards, with Peter Ntale winning the male category and Mariam Awino taking the female award.
Coach Ssenkungu credited Makerere’s success to good preparation and exposure at various tournaments, including the East African University Games in Kenya in late 2024. He also highlighted the steady supply of players, noting that none of the female players who won gold at the 2023 East African University Championship in Nairobi participated in the Masaka event. Despite this, the team performed solidly and efficiently.
“This is good prep for us ahead of the national university games in December,” Ssenkungu said.
Overall, Makerere finished third in the overall standings, although Ssenkungu felt they could have done better if they had participated in more track and field events. “We came a little bit late. And that’s a lesson learned,” he added.
Makerere Select Results
- Makerere 7-3 Kyambogo
- Makerere 1-0 Gulu
- Makerere 1-1 Mubs
MVPs
- Peter Ntale (Makerere)
- Mariam Awino (Makerere)