Omoro County MP Andrew Ojok Oulanyah has moved a motion for Parliament to pay tribute to the government for the successful bid to host the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Rugby Africa Cup.

He also asked Parliament to collectively congratulate the Uganda Rugby Union for their contribution to the successful bid.

Oulanyah who also doubles as the Uganda Rugby Union vice-president urged the government to provide sh2.54b to Uganda Rugby Union to prepare for the tournament.

The funds he said would go to covering the costs of accommodation, security, transport, medical, venue preparation, and facilitation for officials and liaison officers, among other incidental expenses.  

Oulanyah's motion was seconded by Asuman Basalirwa, MP Bugiri Municipality, Prof. Elijah Dickens Mushemeza, Sheema South MP, Santa Alum Ogwang, Woman MP Oyam District and Aagon Silas, MP Kumi Municipality.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the whole House and forwarded to the Executive for further action.

The Africa Cup will run from July 18 to 29 at Namboole National Stadium. Uganda which is ranked fifth, will face Namibia, Kenya, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.

Uganda Rugby Union president Godwin Kayangwe who was part of the delegation from Uganda Rugby Union to Parliament explained the positives in the house.

“This is a great move in the development of the sport. The house welcoming the sport means it will be easier for us to continue spreading it to different parts of the country,” Kayangwe stated.

The money Oulanyah presented to Parliament is not the only money we need to make this a top-notch tournament, but it is part of the portion we need, and if it comes, it will go to us.”

The 2024 Africa Cup is a pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.