AUUS to field strong side in University World Rugby

Leonard Lubambula and Kevin Makmot will steer the technical bench of the national university 7s team as Uganda hunts for glory at the FISU World University Rugby 7s Championship.

The global university championship will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from September 4–6.

Patrick Sebuliba, General Secretary of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), confirmed the development to Vision Sports, adding that their target is to field a strong, competitive side.

"What we are aiming at is to improve on the previous performance. The team will be selected from all universities, and tentatively, coaches Leonard Lubambula and Kevin Makmot will be in charge," Sebuliba said.

Uganda finished sixth in the previous edition. Early preparations this year are aimed at presenting a strong competitive side.

To achieve this, AUUS will use their four university national 7s circuits in June to select the team, which will immediately begin training.

"What we are looking at is a strong side. Immediately after the university 7s tournament in July, the coaches will assemble the team for training," Sebuliba added.

He emphasized that preparations began last year during the AUUS games, when coaches identified some good talents. This year, a few additions will be made.

He lauded Uganda Rugby for paying the €5,000 (approximately sh22,125,000) commitment fee to the organisers.

"Uganda Rugby has cleared the commitment fee of €5,000. Our challenge now is air tickets, medical expenses, accommodation, and players' and officials' allowances," he explained.

sh263 million hunt

Meanwhile, Sebuliba added that they are looking for USD 70,000 (sh263 million) to successfully prepare the team for the competition and cater to the delegation's needs.

He added that AUUS will have a delegation of 15 people, including 12 players, a team doctor, a team coach, and a team manager, whom he will lead as head of delegation.