The 6th Taifa International Woodball Championship was not only a showcase of elite competition but also a testament to the remarkable strides woodball has made in Kenya. Among the distinguished guests who witnessed this progress was Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Emeritus Badru Dungu Kateregga, the Founding Vice Chancellor of Kampala University and Chief Sponsor & Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The East African University (TEAU), Kenya.
His presence at the championship reflected more than ceremonial support—it was an opportunity to witness firsthand how Kenya has become one of Africa’s leading forces in the development of woodball.
Prof. Kateregga expressed admiration for the level of organization and the growing participation of institutions, clubs, and young athletes. He commended the Kenya Woodball Federation (KWBF) for its commitment to building the sport from the grassroots to the international stage, creating opportunities for players of all ages while positioning Kenya as a regional powerhouse.
A key highlight of his visit was a meeting with the President of the Kenya Woodball Federation, where they discussed the federation’s achievements and the future of woodball in East Africa. Their discussions centered on strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and sporting organizations, recognizing that universities and schools have become essential pillars in developing future champions.
Prof. Kateregga praised the federation’s vision of using sport as a tool for education, leadership, discipline, and regional integration. He noted that the steady growth of woodball in Kenya serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedicated leadership, consistent competition, and investment in youth development.
As the Chief Sponsor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The East African University (TEAU), Prof. Kateregga has long believed that sporting excellence should go hand in hand with academic excellence. Seeing universities actively participate in the championship reaffirmed his belief that higher learning institutions have a vital role to play in nurturing well-rounded students who excel both in the classroom and on the field.
His distinguished career has been devoted to education and youth empowerment. Beyond serving as the Founding Vice Chancellor of Kampala University, Prof. Kateregga also chairs the Boards of Trustees of The East African University (Kenya) and East African University Rwanda. He is Chairman of the B.D.K Universities Network International, Chief Scout of Uganda, Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts, and has held numerous leadership roles dedicated to education, scouting, and community development across the region.
For the Kenya Woodball Federation, his visit was a significant endorsement of the progress the sport has made. From grassroots initiatives and school competitions to university leagues, national championships, and international tournaments, the federation has steadily built a vibrant woodball ecosystem that continues to produce talented athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.
The 6th Taifa International Woodball Championship demonstrated that woodball is no longer an emerging sport in Kenya—it is a thriving movement supported by committed administrators, educational institutions, athletes, and partners who share a common vision for its future.
The Kenya Woodball Federation appreciates Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga for taking the time to attend the championship and for recognizing the federation’s efforts in advancing the sport. His encouraging words and support reinforce the importance of collaboration between education and sport, inspiring continued investment in the next generation of woodball players.
As Kenya continues to strengthen its position on the continental and global stage, partnerships with visionary leaders such as Prof. Kateregga will remain instrumental in ensuring that woodball continues to grow, inspire, and unite communities across East Africa.