A Mulago Hospital surgeon and staunch rugby lover, Dr. Livingstone Lugya beat his opponent Isaac Lutwama by a vote after a recount to become the Kobs Rugby club chairman for the next two years.

Lugya, the former Rugby Cranes centre and Kobs legend has been serving the club in various capacities and his loyalty to the club gave him an edge over the outgoing vice-president Isaac Lutwama.

Dr. Lugya and supporters after the elections

Lugya will focus on keeping the club at the top of Uganda Rugby and also securing a home for the club formed in 1963.

“We have a lot on our menu, but we are treating the acquisition of a home with urgency. If we are to continue dominating rugby in Uganda, we must have a home and that is my priority,” Dr. Lugya told Vision Sports after being declared new Kobs chairman.

Former Kobs chairman Arthur Mugweri casts his vote

The tightly contested post of chairman saw a recount of the votes by the returning officer, Godwin Kayangwe after 84-84 tie results with Isaac Lutwama who is the outgoing vice-chairman.

However, after a recount, Lugya won by a vote (84-83) with one invalid vote cast to replace outgoing chairman Samuel Lubanga.

Lugya added that improving the players’ welfare, building structures, and rebuilding the women rugby teams Black Panthers will also be on top of the agenda.

Voters consult each other

Black Panthers, a former top side in the women rugby in the country died a natural death when most players left, joining a new side Black Pearls at Kings Park Bweyogerere as Stanbic Pirates' female side.

“We also want to address the issue of fans to stay relevant to the club. An active fan base is good for the development of the club,” Lugya.

With all the experience as a former Namilyango Boys school rugby chairman, Makerere Impis Rugby Club chairman, and Director of Rugby at Kobs, club elders, fans have a lot of hope in Lugya.

Counting of the votes

“I’m happy with the results and trust in the elected team. They only have to take advantage of the big number of the club fans to grow membership and generate income to execute club activities,” former club vice-chairman and elder Martin Kasasira noted.

Lugya will work with Timothy Kabonero as vice-chairman, Brian Odongo (secretary), Vicent Otim (Treasurer), and Justin Kimono (players’ representative).

Odongo and Otim were unopposed.