Ahead of the East African inter University games due to take place in December, Makerere University Karate team emerged the best over the weekend on 25^th, October in the Karate tournament that took place at University Hall Makerere.

Norvik institution emerged the second best karate team in the competitions that were organized by the Uganda Karate do- federation. Luzira secondary third and Uganda Christian University fourth.

The teams that participate included Makerere University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Ndejje University, Norvik institution, Kampala University, Luzira secondary and one primary school Sun International.

The teams showed case of their tactics and seemed to impress the supporters and spectators however James Kyei Nusa the President of the Uganda karate do-federation says there is more to be done ahead of the East African Inter University games if the Ugandan teams are to win the completion.

“We have observed mistakes in the styles especially in the seniors level, we are going for Inter University games, you should sharpen up because you are still mixing up styles,” he said as he addressed the teams.

Though Makerere University emerged the best team, when it came to individual performance, the medals flew to other institutions.

In the men’s Kata over all, Bright of UCU merged best going home with a Gold medal, the silver was taken by Bosco Charity of Ndejje and the Bronze by Andrew Kawesa, beating Prime Mpora of Makerere letting him emerge fourth. The Host University, though emerged the best team did not win any individual medal.

Karate as a game in Uganda has a future but faces challenges that range from injuries, failure of parents to embrace the game and lack of enough funding.

“Karate is a discipline and Ugandans must come to embrace it if it is to develop,” says Nusa while commenting on the challenges.

Young teams have been started to increase the chances of the children whose passion is in the game of karate.

Daisy Chebet the nine year girl and assistant captain of Sun International school karate team who won a Gold medal of the novice level at the tournament said she does not love it when she loses. “I love karate and I don’t like losing, I am inspired by my trainer to only win,” Chebet said.