Ultimate University Quiz: Soroti University beats IUEA to progress to next round

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Soroti University has advanced to the next stage of the Ultimate University Quiz, Season Three, after an impressive performance that saw them defeat the International University of East Africa (IUEA) with a commanding score of 310 to 160 points.

Game 10 aired on Sunday, November 2, at 7:30pm across Vision Group’s TV stations and was nothing short of electrifying.

The event, sponsored by the Bank of Uganda and produced by Vision Group in partnership with Net Studios Africa, drew loud cheers from an excited studio audience as both teams battled through four heated rounds: Science, Literature and Sports, Africa, and Music & Art.

Quiz Mistress Lydia Lakwonyero, who moderated the match, maintained a high level of tension with authority and precision. “You answer correctly, 10 points. You have 10 seconds. You get it wrong, your opponent gets a chance,” she reminded the teams as the competition intensified.

Soroti takes an early lead

The opening Science round set the tone for the night, with Soroti University immediately establishing dominance. Team captain Edwin Amanya led his side with confidence as they quickly fired off correct answers, including identifying Sputnik as the first man-made spacecraft to orbit Earth.

IUEA managed to stay within reach, earning points for answers such as naming Chlorine as a disinfectant used in water treatment. However, Soroti University maintained its momentum, correctly identifying concepts such as supersonic speed and the “father of the atomic bomb,” Robert Oppenheimer.

By the end of the first round, Soroti had surged ahead with 70 points, while IUEA trailed at 30.

The second round, covering Literature and Sports, tested the contestants’ breadth of general knowledge. Soroti University impressed the audience by naming classic novels and their authors — To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, and Pride and Prejudice — without hesitation.

IUEA had its moment of redemption when it correctly identified Leo Tolstoy as the Russian author of War and Peace, earning applause from the audience. Still, Soroti University’s accuracy and speed kept it firmly in control, ending the round with 190 points to IUEA’s 60.

The third round, themed Africa, saw Soroti University display its knowledge of the continent’s geography, politics, and history. When asked which small island the equator passes through, the Soroti team confidently answered, “Sao Tome and Principe!”, winning another 10 points.

IUEA managed to pick up points for identifying Belgium as Rwanda’s colonial power and the Orange River in South Africa, but Soroti University continued to dominate. They recognised historical and political figures such as Menelik II and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and accurately referenced African ideologies like Ujamaa in Tanzania.

By the close of the third round, Soroti University had amassed 260 points, while IUEA stood at 100. Lakwonyero commended both sides for their deep understanding of African heritage, saying, “This round shows how much you’ve all learned about our continent, well done, both teams.”

In the final round, Music and Art, contestants were challenged to identify iconic musicians from across the continent, and Soroti University did not disappoint.

They named legends like Angélique Kidjo, Ali Farka Touré, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Oliver Mtukudzi, Wizkid, and Davido. Their precision continued as they recognised Black Coffee, Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Brenda Fassie, Youssou N’Dour, and Tyla, the 2024 Grammy winner for Best African Music Performance.

The studio erupted in applause as the final scores were announced: Soroti University 310 points; IUEA 160 points.

Soroti University was officially declared the winner, and both teams exchanged handshakes and smiles in a display of good sportsmanship.

The Ultimate University Quiz continues to air on Bukedde TV 1 and 2, Wan Luo TV, and TV West.

The overall winner of the competition will walk away with sh25 million worth of equipment, while each participant and coach will receive sh1 million and a new laptop. The runner-up will earn sh15 million, and the third-place team will take sh10 million, with individual cash and gadget prizes for all participants, including those eliminated in the early rounds.

With this win, Soroti University cements its place among the top contenders of Season Three.