By: Jackline Nabirye
Communications Officer – ICPAU
Participating schools in the 14th ICPAU Juniors Woodball Championship earned their spots through regional qualifiers held between February and May 2024. The competition offered Mpoma Girls School a chance to make history and become record-holding champions, having already won four out of the last five titles. They secured their fifth trophy in six years, narrowly beating strong competitors Our Lady of Africa, Luzira SS, and Iganga SS by four strokes.
Mpoma Girls were crowned 14th ICPAU Juniors Woodball Champions for the fourth consecutive year after winning this year's championship in Lwengo District on Saturday, 15 June 2024. The competition, co-hosted by St. Mary's Kitooro and Philips Foundation in Kyazanga Town, concluded with a thrilling finish in its 14th edition.
Rising star Martha Namulema played a key role by securing a silver medal with 45 strokes, trailing only Luzira SS's Emilly Tasumba, who finished with 42 strokes. Victoria Masubika of Iganga SS completed the top three with 48 strokes. Mpoma's victory was a team effort, with Rececca Ajambo, Susan Atwine, and Praise Ahurira each contributing 50 strokes.
"Everyone played for each other, and I am happy with such a performance," said Games Teacher Prossy Nankya, Mpoma Girls School. Despite growing the competition, Mpoma arrived in Kyazanga Town as favorites and delivered a sweet victory. "We continuously develop top athletes who demonstrate our commitment to excellence," Nankya added.
In the youth singles, Airforce's Giles Amanyire emerged victorious with 45 strokes, nine strokes under par. Despite his individual success, it was Our Lady of Africa Namilyango (OLAN) that won the team gold with 194 strokes. Amanyire expressed his ambition to be Uganda's best woodball player and emphasized the importance of self-motivation and intensive training under his Coach Timothy Ssuuna. Our Lady of Africa Namilyango’s Emmanuel Ekayu, who scored 46 strokes, highlighted the significance of teamwork in their victory.
In the primary schools girls' category, Shekinah Glory International School from Mbale won the championship for the first time, accumulating 111 strokes. Davinia Awili led with 24 strokes, while her teammate Shanita Heri Chebet won bronze, tying with Hilda Glory Nasssimbwa of Kyanzanga Modern, who took silver out of 75 participants. Strong performances from Jessy Blessing (30) and Remmy Nyiramugisha (33) put Shekinah ahead by one stroke over second-placed Kyanzanga Modern, which scored 112 strokes. Nakateete Model and Ahmadiyya-Njeru tied for third place with 123 strokes.
In the junior boys' category, Kyazanga Modern dominated with 88 strokes to win the title. Jeremiah Tumuhimbise defended his individual gold medal with 19 strokes, combined with contributions from Rahim Tusubira (20), Isaac Matsiko (24), and Stuart Mugema (25). Shekinah finished second with 14 strokes behind Kyazanga, while hosts St. Mary's Kitooro took bronze.
Top three results
Men: Youth singles
Giles Amanyire (Airforce) 45
Emmanuel Ekayu (OLAN) - 46
Henry Kasumba (OLAN) - 48
Women: Singles youth
Emilly Tasumba (Luzira SS) - 42
Martha Namulema (Mpoma) 45
Victoria Musubika (Iganga SS) 48
Women: Junior singles
Davinia Awili (Shekinah) - 24
Hilda Nassimbwa (Kyazanga Modern) - - 24
Shanita Chebet (Shekina) – 24
Men: Junior singles
Jeremiah Tumuhimbise (Kyazanga) - 19
Rahim Tusuubira (Kyazanga) - 20
Joshua Lomanat (Shekinah) - 23
END
