Once Again, Kabale University School of Medicine Wins the Continental Quiz Title for Medical Schools in Africa

As the true African champion of the prestigious African Inter-Medical School Quiz Competition organized by the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA), the Kabale University Medical Students Association (KUMSA) once again triumphed over the other medical student associations in Africa in order to successfully defend their title. Throughout the month of November and December 2024, a series of quizzes were held bringing together medical students from 42 medical schools across the continent to demonstrate their academic excellence.

This quiz was organized by the African medical quiz federation of the African Medical Association in collaboration with Lecturio. The Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA) is an independent, non-political organization of medical student associations in Africa. As the official international forum of African medical students, FAMSA is a project-oriented organization recognized by the WHO & AU. Each quiz session had a quiz master who was not affiliated with any of the medical schools and a senior colleague (Doctor).

Stanley Okecho, KUMSA president, states that the win demonstrates not only the academic prowess of Kabale University but also the quality of the education and mentorship provided there. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and teamwork of the students. In addition, it is a testament to the guidance and support of our faculty and university administrators. Kabale University’s reputation in local and international medical and academic communities has been significantly enhanced by this victory, which underscores the students’ ability to compete successfully at an international level. Furthermore, it reflects Uganda’s ability to train competent medical practitioners as a nation.

There were 40 participating universities from various African countries, divided into four categories of 10 universities. The quiz was held in November and December. Each university had four participants. From each group, four groups were chosen to make the semi-finals, and eight universities to make the finals.

Participants must be current undergraduate students studying medicine and surgery at universities in Africa.  Kabale University’s team included Okwir Joshua Kizito, a fifth-year MBChB student who served as team leader. Other members were Isaac Matovu, 4th year, Lawrence Luleba, 3rd year, and Bongowat Daniel, 5th year. It is the opinion of Matovu, one of the participants, that they should train more people to train others.

FAMSA’s Inter MSA quiz provides a unique opportunity for medical students all over Africa to continually expand their knowledge about health matters and general knowledge in general, while maintaining healthy competitive attitudes. The goal of FAMSA SCOMER is to improve medical education and research capacity in Africa. For this reason, FAMSA SCOMER organizes the inter medical student association quiz as a means of developing outstanding medical students, enhancing networking, and fostering healthy competition among students.

There were several categories of questions in the quiz. Among the categories were preclinical, clinical, math and logic, as well as general knowledge. In his message, the Dean of the Kabale University school of Medicine, Prof. James Tumwine emphasizes the value of character and professional knowledge for both Kabale University medical students and medical practitioners who are needed in the current medical environment.