Budo ends 15-year drought, topples Namilyango in thrilling schools rugby final
The 18-year-old playmaker emerged tournament MVP with a complete performance – scoring a try, slotting two conversions, and adding a crucial penalty.
Budo team celebrates the victory of the league trophy. PHOTO BY JOHNSON WERE
Johnson Were
Journalist @New Vision
U20 B
Namilyango 17 Budo 29
U17
Namilyango 26 SMACK 7
U15
Namilyango 15 SMACK 11
Fly half Arthur Lukoda delivered a championship performance, guiding King's College Budo to a 29-17 victory over archrivals Namilyango College in a pulsating schools rugby league final at Makerere's Graveyard Ground on Sunday.
The 18-year-old playmaker emerged tournament MVP with a complete performance – scoring a try, slotting two conversions, and adding a crucial penalty. His heroics were complemented by Joseph Mubiru's brace of tries, while Namilyango's Arthur Kato and Joshua Wakooli fought valiantly with three tries between them.
"This breaks our 15-year curse," an elated coach Brian Makalama told reporters after claiming Budo's first league title since their 2010 Kyadondo triumph against these same opponents. "These boys sacrificed everything – today's win belongs to their belief and hard work."
The JESA-sponsored Budo side now sets sights on defending their national title after last year's Ndejje victory over SMACK. "Celebrations are brief – we regroup quickly to prepare for nationals," Makalama added, signaling his team's hunger for more silverware.
The historic win marks Budo's sixth league championship (1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2010), achieved after semifinal victories over SMACK, while Namilyango had dispatched Makerere College School.
Youth Rugby Shines
Namilyango salvaged pride in the junior categories, claiming both U17 (26-7) and U15 (15-11) titles against SMACK. The day's three competitive finals highlighted the urgent need for Uganda Rugby Union to strengthen youth development structures to nurture these emerging talents.