The Makerere Handball Team recently made its mark at the Handball Jamboree Tournament hosted by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya.

Departing on the 3rd of November, the team embarked on a journey filled with anticipation and determination. Despite facing various challenges, the team exhibited resilience and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.

Upon their arrival on the 4th of November, the team wasted no time and immediately engaged in a captivating match against the host team, emerging victorious with a commendable score of 17-11. This impressive start served as a testament to the team’s prowess and dedication to the sport.

However, the journey was not without its share of obstacles. During their second game of the tournament against a Kenyan university, disputes over officiation led to a temporary halt in the match. Despite the setback, the team demonstrated unwavering perseverance, and the game eventually resumed.

The quarter-final match on the 6th of November proved to be a closely contested battle, with Makerere Handball Team ultimately losing by a narrow margin of 1 goal. Despite this defeat, Makerere University stood proud as the sole representative from Uganda, showcasing their competitive spirit and determination on an international stage.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the tournament, Mercy Ahabyona, the Mak Handball head of delegation, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, considering the limited number of players and substitutes.

She emphasized the need to learn from the experience, intending to organize a future tournament at Makerere University, inviting participation from Kenyan universities, thus fostering a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.


Lukenge Emmanuel, a key player of the team, highlighted the importance of team improvement despite the officiating challenges encountered during the tournament. He expressed optimism about the team’s future engagements and emphasized the significance of continuous growth and development.

The Makerere Handball team’s journey in the Handball Jamboree was not just about competition but also about fostering sportsmanship, personal growth, and building connections with fellow athletes. They left a lasting impression and returned to Uganda with a sense of achievement and lessons.

The Makerere Handball Team’s journey at the Handball Jamboree Tournament in Masinde University serves as a testament to their resilience, determination, and sportsmanship. Despite the hurdles faced, the team has emerged with valuable experiences and lessons that will undoubtedly contribute to their future endeavors in the world of handball.

The Makerere Handball team’s journey in the Handball Jamboree was not just about competition but also about fostering sportsmanship, personal growth, and building connections with fellow athletes. They left a lasting impression and returned to Uganda with a sense of achievement and lessons learned from their participation in this prestigious tournament.

Story by Mugisha James