Rugby Afrique president delighted with Launch in Kampala

The 2024 Rugby Africa Cup will be hosted in Kampala, marking a historic moment as the tournament launches at the Kings Park Arena. While I regret not being able to attend in person, I am with you in spirit from West Africa.

On a more serious note, I must confess my wholehearted support for Uganda at the Africa Games. The carnival atmosphere created by Edward and the Nile beer team, complete with songs and rhythm, was mesmerizing. Even a young DJ captured our imagination, making me a passionate, albeit impartial, supporter.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to address you today, albeit from afar. I find myself in the esteemed company of the Chief Whip of the Government of Uganda, the Honourable Dennis Hampson Obua, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Ghana. His vast knowledge of sports is truly impressive.

I extend my thanks to Honorable Obua for allowing me to speak today and acknowledge the entire Ugandan Rugby Union, EXCOM, and trustees, including the Honorable Dan Kidega, Prince David Kintu Wasaja, and Mr. Ian Walker. Special recognition goes to the MD of Nile Breweries and his team, particularly marketing leader Mr. Amu Majok. A heartfelt greeting to my brother, Godwin, whose efforts I deeply respect.

The focus has been clear: sport is big business, especially on a continent with 1.4 billion people. Despite receiving a modest budget of two and a quarter million dollars, we have a plan unfolding in Uganda, thanks to the synergy between government and capital, players, and unions.

The Presidents of various unions across Africa need the gravitas to engage with government officials. I have had the privilege of speaking with the Honourable Minister of Uganda, and I hold great respect and affection for him and the distinguished guests here today.

Rugby differs from other sports like football, where money is more abundant. We require government involvement to sustain our efforts. When the idea of hosting the Rugby Africa Cup was proposed, Godwin stood up to the challenge with the support of his Minister and Government. The bid was submitted in November last year, and in January 2024, Uganda was declared the winner by the Rugby Africa Committee, later ratified by World Rugby.

Uganda will host the top-eight African rugby competition for the Rugby Africa Cup over 11 days in Kampala, showcasing the wonders of Uganda. The country has secured hosting rights for 2024 and 2025, with plans for a refurbished Mandela National Stadium. This event will welcome fans from across Africa to the Pearl of Africa, demonstrating Uganda’s hospitality and potential as a tourist destination.

Besides Uganda, the competition includes teams from Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Each team brings its own strengths and ambitions, making the tournament exciting and competitive. This format, with all eight teams playing in two groups on a promotion-relegation basis, is a first for Africa.

We receive limited funding, but our goal is to provide rugby opportunities for all nations. Uganda’s support has allowed us to allocate more resources to bring additional countries into the fold. World Rugby has provided additional funding, enabling a repechage event for teams ranked 9 to 16 in Morocco in November.

This year has seen significant achievements in African rugby. The African Games, although not directly linked to World Rugby or Rugby Africa, showcased strong teams, with Uganda triumphing in both men’s and women’s categories. The under-20 tournament in Harare was another milestone, with plans to expand it next year. In Madagascar, we organized one of the greatest tournaments to date, with large crowds and simultaneous broadcasting on Rugby Pass and Super Sports.

Mauritius will host a sevens tournament over two weekends, featuring the top 12 teams. Despite my country being the 13th team, I remain impartial and commend Kevin Venkiah for his efforts in Mauritius. This tournament promises to be unprecedented in quality and standard.

Following this, Tunisia will host the Lady Sevens, organized by the extraordinary team led by President Aref. This year’s events raise the profile of African rugby, emphasizing better governance and controls.

Cross-border play is also expanding, with Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho leading the way. Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have plans for the latter part of the year, and West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin are considering similar activities. Collaboration among countries like Uganda will release more funds for everyone to participate.

Congratulations to Uganda on hosting the Rugby Africa Cup 2024. I am excited about this tournament and look forward to joining you in Kampala after my meetings with UNESCO. Thank you.