University of Rwanda men’s volleyball team defeated Tanzania’s ARDHI University 2-0 in their opening game at the East Africa university games that started yesterday at the Uganda Christian University in Mukono.

Aimable Nkuranga inspired UR to a 2-0 (25-12, 25-18) win in Group C which comprises of three Ugandan universities – Kyambogo, Bishop Stuart and Ndejje universities. The top two sides will make it to the quarterfinals.

UR is the only university representing Rwanda while Tanzania (2), Zanzibar (1), Kenya (16) and Uganda with the highest number – 18.

The disciplines at the ninth edition of the biennial competition include athletics, badminton, basketball, football, handball, lawn tennis, rugby 7s, swimming, table tennis, volleyball and woodball among others.

Swimming will be held at Kampala Parents School while rugby 7s will be played at Namilyango College. Rugby 7s and woodball are making their debut at the regional university games.

Ndejje are the reigning champions having ended the dominance of record champions Makerere University of Uganda. The hosts entered the highest number of athletes – 280 with Makerere entering 253.

Over 4000 athletes and officials will be part of the event that ends on December 21.

Former Champions

2010 Ndejje (Uganda)2007 Makerere (Uganda)2006 Makerere (Uganda)2004 Makerere (Uganda)2002 Makerere (Uganda)2001 Makerere (Uganda)1999 Egerton (Kenya)

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