Victoria University Dominates Sports — Sharks Win National 7s Qualifiers, Tumukunde Strikes Gold In Ghana

By Frank Kamuntu

The Victoria Sharks have done it after storming through the National 7s Qualifiers unbeaten at Ruga Ruga Grounds in Busukuma–Gayaza, sealing their place as a core team in the Nile Special 7s Series and earning national champion status.

The Sharks’ triumph marks a historic milestone for Victoria University, whose sports teams have continued to dominate the national scene. The team showcased discipline, flair, and unity as they brushed aside opponents including the Mbale Elephants, Buddu Bears, and Lira Bulls, before stunning the Njeru Hurricanes in the semifinals.

The win comes after last year’s heartbreak, when the Sharks fell just short against the Kampani Eagles. This year, however, they rose above the tide to prove their mettle.

The Sharks’ rise mirrors the broader sporting excellence at Victoria University. Just days earlier, Dan Tumukunde, a student at the university, brought home gold for Uganda at the 2025 African Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championship in Ghana.

Tumukunde lifted an impressive 90kg (snatch), 120kg (clean & jerk) for a total of 210kg, earning the Best Overall Total and Gold Champion (110+kg) titles.

“We don’t just teach excellence—we lift it!” Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lawrence Muganga remarked proudly on social media, celebrating the weightlifting triumph.

Meanwhile, the Makerere Impis, who also advanced from the group stages undefeated, struggled in the knockouts despite dominant wins against KIU Crows and Kitgum Lions. Their semifinal clash with the Mbale Elephants ended 12–07, denying them a spot in the national core league.

As the dust settles, the Sharks and Elephants now join Uganda’s elite rugby teams in the Nile Special 7s Series, setting the stage for thrilling competition ahead.

With both rugby and weightlifting titles secured in the same week, Victoria University has once again reaffirmed its place as a powerhouse in sports and academia.