2023 was a year to remember for rugby in Uganda.It was characterised by moments of fun,excitement,glory,sorrow, sadness and disappointment.

We’d first and foremost like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to all those Rugby Stakeholders who unfortunately lost their lives in 2023.

Uganda Rugby Awards

The Uganda Rugby Awards were the perfect way to close the Rugby year. The event was graced by very many dignitaries and it’s safe to say that the room was filled with a lot of Rugby history and greatness.

The top performers of 2023 were awarded in the various categories and it was very heartwarming to see the past National team Captains both 7s and 15s recognized for their contributions.

Women’s 7s win Safari 7s

The Women’s Rugby 7s made the country very proud after they defeated Kenya Sevens in the final to take the Uganda Cup. After falling short to Kenya in the semifinals during the Africa Women’s sevens, the Ladies managed to exact revenge against the neighbours in their own country.

The Women’s 7s side also managed to qualify for the 2024 HSBC Challenger series and will play in the Repechage tournament to have a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Uganda 15 win Victoria Cup

After a very long while, the Rugby Cranes 15’s were back in action on the international scene. They managed to defeat Zambia and Kenya to win the Victoria Cup. Liam Walker was the main character of this episode,scoring a dramatic last minute kick against Kenya to give Uganda a one point victory.

The team went ahead to travel to Kenya for the second leg of the Elgon Cup and were unfortunate not to pick up more silverware.

They then finished their international calendar with a trip to Tunisia were they managed to win both games and end the year with a 4/5 record.

Tororo Crest wrecks havoc

Perhaps the biggest surprise in 2023 came during the Mileke-Border 7s in Tororo. Tororo Crest which had been an invitational side sent shock waves during the circuit with a number of eye-catching displays and results.

The Platinum Credit Heathens were the first ones to taste their wrath.In the build up to the game,it was widely expected that the top teams would run over the invitational sides.

Things however were anything but straightforward as the Heathens were given a close run for their money before they managed to gain victory.Tororo Crest were undeterred,going on to win all their other games and finding themselves recognized as favorites to win it all.

However, the Pirates, who were on a mission went neck and neck with the hosts and eventually managed to defeat them in the semifinals.

There was a final twist to this story, as the Black Pirates got a shock defeat to Walukuba Barbarians in the finals in one of the upsets of the year.

Impis 5/5 start to the season

For a moment during the early stages of the season, Impis seemed invicible, defeating each and everyone that came their way despite not scoring very many tries. Henry Nsekuye was the talisman leading the Makerere Army with magic off his boot.

Impis defeated the Jinja Hippos, Walukuba Barbarians, Rhinos, Plascon Mongers and Rams to start their season but all the games were very close pointing to the fact that perhaps the gas was done in the tank.

Black Pirates complete the double

The Stanbic Black Pirates had a season to remember after completing the double in 2023. The Sea robbers secured their second Nile Special Rugby Premier League title after completely obliterating the Kobs at their own ground in the final fixture of the season.

They then went ahead and completed the double after winning four of the seven Nile Special 7’s circuits. They started on fire winning the Stone City and Kitgum Circuits and also ended on a high with victory at the Kyabazinga 7s to complete a truly dominant season.

Black Pearls complete the double

Just like the Black Pirates, the Black Pearls were able to complete the double after dominating in the Central 15’s League and the National 7s.

Emily Lekuru together with her troops were unplayable, wrecking havoc wherever they passed. They won 4/7 circuits and Emily Lekuru was the top try scorer.

Avengers get maiden 7s trophy

The Avengers made history after winning their maiden 7s trophy at the Kyadondo 7s. They then also went ahead to win the Kyabazinga 7s making it 2 out of the 7 trophies.

Their star player Sarah Kirabo was also named the MVP and she went head to head with Emily Lekuru for the Top try scorer award, but Emily just about edged her. She was then named called to the National 7s team, represented in the Africa Women’s Sevens and was also in the squad that won the Safari 7s.

Victoria University conquer University 7s

The story of the Victoria Sharks is a prime example of what sport can do for people. Victoria University awarded scholarships to 13 players and during the Varsity 7s, the players managed to show why they deserved the scholarships.

The team managed to win all their games and finished third in the FASU Kings of Africa Rugby 7s.

It was the perfect ending of the year for them after they weren’t able to secure the trophy at the AUUS Games despite being unbeaten. Their final game against Uganda Martyrs University ended in a stalemate and UMU were the winners on points difference.