Written By | Our Reporter
Seth Akampa (black) while training at Riverside stadium track on Tuesday
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Mbarara
Long-distance runner Seth Akampa has vowed to put up a strong performance and defend his 10,000m title at this year’s edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games, which are due to commence at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono from Thursday, December 18, to December 23.
Akampa, a Master’s in Law student at the institution, will not only be leading Bishop Stuart University’s (BSU) hopes for a podium finish, but will also be seeking to defend the 10,000m gold and possibly win the 5,000m title.
“It has not been easy balancing academics, especially during the examination period, and training, but I have managed to find a balance. I am confident that the training I have gone through with my colleagues will help me reclaim the title,” Akampa said after a Tuesday training session at Riverside Track.
Seth Akampa (black) while training at Riverside stadium track on Tuesday
The reigning East Africa Games 5,000m and 10,000m double gold medallist went unchallenged in the 2023 Games held at the same institution, but later settled for silver in his favourite 5,000m race at the same competition.
He later made significant improvements at the regional games in Maseno, Kenya, where he outpaced rivals from Kenya and Tanzania to win both long-distance races.
Akampa was subsequently named to the Uganda team for the FISU World University Games in Germany in June this year, but was unable to make an impact due to unavoidable circumstances.
UCU launches University games hosting
He has been training alongside long-distance runner Edgar Akamumpa and sprinter Ishmail Akanyijuka to improve both his speed and endurance, which he says has greatly benefited him.
The BSU contingent of football, woodball, volleyball, and netball athletes and officials will be flagged off tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, as they head to Mukono for the competition.
Uganda Christian University hosts this 20th edition of the AUUS Games, becoming the first institution in Uganda to host the event four times, having previously hosted in 2007, 2013, 2023, and now 2025.
Prof. Kitayimbwa (left) and AUUS President George Wagoogo (right) officially launching the games
The Games were recently launched at UCU, and while speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, expressed excitement and pride as the university prepares to welcome thousands of student athletes.
The competition brings together athletes from over 30 universities across Uganda, competing in disciplines such as football, woodball, volleyball, netball, athletics, basketball, among others.
