From fear to faith: A mothers sacrifice behind a rugby star

As New Vision continues to celebrate mothers who have sacrificed to raise champions, the story of Teopista Nabayego stands as a powerful testimony that not every champion’s story begins on the field.

Some are born out of fear, sacrifice, and a mother’s quiet resilience.

For Teopista Nabayego, the journey to raising a rugby star was shaped by tragedy, tough choices, and an unbreakable bond with her son, Ronald Kanyanya.

Nabayego happily serving food to a happy client

From the haunting memories of the 2010 bombing at Kyadondo Rugby Club to becoming one of its most familiar faces, her story is a powerful reminder that behind every athlete’s rise is often a mother who chose courage over fear.

On 11 July 2010, tragedy struck at Kyadondo Rugby Club during a screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Twin bombings claimed over 70 lives, leaving the nation in shock. For Nabayego, the pain cut even deeper; her son, Ronald Kanyanya, had just begun playing rugby at the very same grounds.

Terrified for his safety, she pleaded with him to abandon the sport. However, Kanyanya’s passion was unshaken. Reluctantly, and with a mother’s heavy heart, Nabayego chose to trust her son’s dream over her fears. That decision would change both their lives forever.

“When the bombing occurred, I pleaded with my son never to return to Kyadondo. However, he was hesitant. He insisted that nothing would go wrong, and when he refused to give up, I allowed him to pursue what he was passionate about,” Nabayego explained.

Kanyanya’s rugby journey had begun earlier, in Primary three, introduced by a neighbor. Like many Ugandan parents, Nabayego initially disapproved of the physically demanding sport. Yet, as she watched her son’s determination grow, so did her support.

“Like many Ugandan parents, my mother was initially unhappy with my decision to play rugby. However, she later gave me overwhelming support, something I have relied on over the years. Without her, few people would know me,” Kanyanya said proudly.

In 2011, driven by the need to provide for her family, Nabayego took a bold step. She started working at Kyadondo as a “Kigere” (cow hoof) vendor, ironically, the same place she once feared. What began as a survival strategy soon became a pillar of strength for her family.

Through this humble trade, she financed her son’s rugby career and education. Today, she is fondly known as “Maama Kyadondo,” a name she wears with pride.

For Kanyanya, now a player with Buffaloes rugby club, his mother remains his greatest inspiration. He has never been ashamed of her work, often helping her serve customers and standing by her side.

“I am who I am because of my mother,” he says with pride. “Her support made everything possible.”

Nabayego’s story is a reminder that behind many stars are sacrifices the world rarely sees.