To all Rugby Enthusiasts,
It is with great pride and excitement that I share this message with you in the lead-up to the Rugby Africa Cup 2024, slated for the 19th to the 28th of July at the Mandela National Stadium and Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. Our journey to this moment has been one of unimaginable dedication, resilience, and a shared love for a sport that binds us together.
The level of competition we are hosting as a nation is a World Rugby event and a Rugby World Cup qualifier. Our target is definitely to win the championship, keep the trophy home, and give our visitors an exciting time in Uganda. As we look forward to hosting the tournament again in 2025, we are confident that, as a nation, we shall be ready to qualify by winning.
Hosting the Rugby Africa Cup 2024, therefore, is not merely an event on our calendar; it is very much also evidence of the growth and passion of rugby within our nation and across the continent. This tournament symbolizes the unity and strength of African rugby, bringing together nations with diverse cultures and a common goal – to celebrate the spirit of rugby. It is especially significant as it is the first time the tournament is being hosted in the East and Southern regions of Africa, with Uganda being the proud host.
Our preparations have been extensive, involving countless hours of planning and coordination. I am especially grateful to my team, whose untiring efforts have brought us this far. Their hard work is a reflection of the dedication that has come to define the spirit of the Ugandan rugby community.
The importance of this tournament taking place here cannot be overstated. It is a very big milestone for rugby growth in general in Africa, but especially for the region of East and Central Africa, and Uganda in particular. This event will manifest the growth of rugby in our East African region, and as in Uganda, we are very excited to be the first to host. Our priority will be to deliver an excellent tournament and give our guests from all over Africa a memorable experience.
To the players representing their countries, your journey has been one of discipline and determination. You embody the very best of what our sport stands for – integrity, teamwork, and excellence. As you take to the field, know that you carry with you the hopes and dreams of every rugby fan in your motherland and beyond.
To the fans, both local and those traveling to Uganda to support your national teams, your passionate support is the heartbeat of our sport. This tournament is as much yours as it is ours. May we work together to create an atmosphere of celebration and sportsmanship that will be remembered for years to come? I urge fans from all over Africa, especially those in Uganda, to come out in huge numbers and support the boys. There is a very good chance of repeating history with the win of 2007 and the near victory of 2012.
To the Ugandan rugby community, as we approach the Rugby Africa Cup 2024, I urge us to embrace this opportunity to showcase not just our skills, but our hospitality and the vibrant rugby spirit of our nation. May we demonstrate to Africa and the world the power of rugby to unite, inspire, and create lasting bonds of friendship and respect upon which we have built our game’s culture.
As a Union, we have done our best to make the boys ready for the tournament, and we look forward to a very exciting competition. Thank you all for being a part of this amazing showpiece. The Rugby Africa Cup 2024 is going to be an unforgettable chapter in the history of not just Ugandan, but also African rugby as a whole – I can feel it.
Yours in service,
Godwin Kayangwe
President, Uganda Rugby Union
Media Contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
