National Council of Sports Assistant General Secretary Milton Chebet has officially flagged off Team Uganda ahead of the 2026 FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Ugandan delegation departs early Tuesday at 2:00am aboard Ethiopian Airlines, embarking on a campaign that AUUS hopes will build on the country’s previous experience at the global university championship.
Photo by Johnson Were
Addressing the team at the flag-off ceremony, Chebet reminded the players that their responsibility extends beyond representing their universities, urging them to carry the aspirations of millions of Ugandans with pride and patriotism.
“As you go to South Africa, you represent many other Ugandans. You carry the aspirations of Uganda.
When you are on the pitch, know that you are representing millions of Ugandans who are watching you,” Chebet said.
He challenged the players to use both their performances and conduct to project a positive image of Uganda during their stay in South Africa.
“Don’t vanish in South Africa. Love your country and be patriotic.
Preach the good gossip about our country through your performances and words.
We expect to receive you back with great success.”
Chebet also commended the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) for its role in expanding university sport and creating a pathway through which student-athletes can progress to clubs and national teams.
“Universities are where people attain their maximum performance and where we usher them into clubs and the national team as well. Thank you for the work you are doing for young people,” he said, while also appreciating the media fraternity for its role in promoting university sport.
The 2026 FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship will be held from September 4–7 at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, bringing together nine nations.
The participating teams are Argentina, Zimbabwe, Norway, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Uganda, Japan and Mexico, with the teams drawn into three groups of three.
Uganda has been placed in Group B alongside Japan and Mexico.
The tournament marks Uganda’s second appearance at the FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship, following its debut in Swakopmund, Namibia, in 2018, where the team finished sixth overall.
AUUS president George Wagogo believes the current squad is better equipped to improve on that performance, having benefited from sustained preparation and competitive exposure through training and the National Rugby Sevens competitions.
“Our students must be given the opportunity to compete with the best in Africa and the world.
This championship is not only about participation; it is an important step in creating a clear pathway from university sport to national and international competition,” Wagogo said.
AUUS also acknowledged the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) for its support towards the team’s participation, including assistance with feeding, accommodation, return air tickets and national-team playing kits.
The association says the partnership demonstrates the importance of connecting university sport with the wider national sporting structure and creating opportunities for student-athletes to progress to higher levels of competition.
Uganda’s immediate objective is to make a strong impression in Cape Town, gain valuable international experience and lay a stronger foundation for future FISU competitions, with AUUS already looking towards the 2028 FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship in Spain.
Team Uganda squad
Players
Calvin Daniel Gizamba
Daniel Kateregga
Darrell Mwaka
Francis Bogere — Captain
Mark Lagat
Ryan Jjuuko
Ian Bwowe
Stuart Michael Mwayi
Darren Aine
Davis Shimwa
Allan Karuhanga
Jones Kamiza
Technical and management team
Leonard Lubambula — Head Coach
Ivan Makmot — Assistant Coach
Samuel Lukaire — Team Manager
George William Ssenfuma — Medic
Patrick Ssebuliba — Leader of Delegation
