We aren’t just going there to participate – Lubambula vows ahead FISU 7s

The Uganda University 7s team are returning to the FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens after an 8-year hiatus.

This year’s tournament is going to be hosted in Stellenbosch, South Africa, with 9 nations set to compete. Uganda was last represented in 2018 in Swakopmund, Namibia, with the team finishing 6th overall.

This year, Team Uganda is coached by Leonard Lubambula and Kevin Makmot, who have set their targets on not just a better placement finish than the last outing.

“Competing on a global stage like the FISU Championship is an immense privilege, but we aren’t just going there to participate. Our focus is on staying disciplined, executing our game model game by game, and keeping our intensity high from the first whistle,” Lubambula noted ahead of the tournament.

Lubambula is also aware that Uganda will be facing off against world-class university sides, but that hasn’t fazed the coach.

“We respect our opponents, but we are fully committed to making Uganda proud and fighting to improve on our historical finishes,” he remarked.

Uganda has named a diverse 12-player team comprised of athletes from 6 Universities. The team is captained by UMU Nkozi’s Francis Bogere, while Allan Karuhanga from UCU Mukono will be the assistant captain.

The technical staff have been impressed by the players’ commitment to the project, including early morning training and having to step away from their clubs.

“We have a highly talented and rugby-experienced group of young student-athletes who have worked incredibly hard to earn this national call,” Lubambula notes with pride.

The tournament shall run from September 4 to 6 at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Squad:

1. Francis Bogere – UMU, Nkozi.
2. Calvin Gizamba – Victoria University
3. Daniel Kateregga – Victoria University
4. Stuart Mwayi – Victoria University
5. Mark Lagat – UCU
6. Allan Karuhanga – UCU
7. Jones Kamiza – UCU
8. Ryan Jjuuko – Makerere University
9. Ian Bwowe – Makerere University
10. Davis Shimwa – Makerere University
11. Darren Aine – ISBAT
12. Darrell Mwaka – Kyambogo University

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