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Ndejje University women volleyball team won the 28th edition of the national volleyball club championship women category in Mbarara
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Sports Desk
There has been a national outcry over how Ndejje University has chosen to treat sports students who have been studying on scholarships at the institution.
The public was thrown into dismay after reports emerged on different social media platforms that the university had decided to dissolve its volleyball program and, henceforth, terminate the study scholarships of the affected athletes. The matter came to light when one of the letters addressed to a scholarship beneficiary leaked to the public.
In a letter dated 29th August 2025, signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Christopher Samuel Mayanja, individual athletes were informed that their contracts had been terminated due to poor performance on the court.
"The review committee noted that the value of your contract was competition- and performance-based, being determined by competing and excelling in national, regional, and international events. The contract was also subject to annual review. Therefore, with insufficient proof of excellence in your specific discipline, particularly at the regional and international level, Ndejje University resolved not to renew your contract," the letter partly read.
A letter written to one of the athletes informing them of the termination of their scholarship contract
The decision has sparked heated reactions from members of the public, especially within the sports fraternity. Many have taken to social media to condemn the university for what they described as inconsiderate treatment of talented but underprivileged Ugandan athletes.
"It is a painful decision. This is bad. Physical Education and Sports (PES) should intervene. University isn’t like secondary school, where an athlete can simply join another institution. At least those in Year 2 should be allowed to complete their courses."
"Too painful. The same university dissolved netball—actually by the same lady who had done it at UCU before transferring to Ndejje. She is a big enemy of sports."
"An alternative could be for UVF to make special considerations for transfers. A few of the affected students may get another team to cover their tuition."
"This doesn’t solve the academic worries of the students! It means they have to start afresh in Year 1 at another university."
"I think these athletes should write a petition to the Commissioner and attach copies of their contracts. The ministry can then engage the university administration."
The decision comes at a time when Ndejje Elites, the women’s volleyball team, had just won the 2023 National Club Volleyball Championships in Mbarara. Both the men’s and women’s teams have also reached the finals of various national and regional competitions.
This is not the first time Ndejje University has shut down sports disciplines and terminated scholarships. The institution previously dissolved its football and netball programs as well.
