Rams on the hunt for silverware as Lawii Rwodi 7s kicks off in Gulu
Rwot David Ocen II, the Paramount Chief of Acholi, will preside over the tournament as the Chief Guest, as one way of sports appreciating the values of culture in shaping society and promoting sports.
A Rams player leaves a Walukuba opponent on the ground during their fixture at the Kyadondo 7s. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Gulu University is set to host a high-octane weekend of rugby as the fourth leg of the National Rugby 7s Circuit, dubbed the Lawii Rwodi 7s, takes center stage in Northern Uganda on Saturday and Sunday, August 29–30, 2026.
Rwot David Ocen II, the Paramount Chief of Acholi, will preside over the tournament as the Chief Guest, as one way of sports appreciating the values of culture in shaping society and promoting sports.
The grueling two-day tournament promises intense competition as top-tier teams collide, each chasing crucial points in the national standings.
Fresh from their historic triumph at the Kyadondo 7s, the Lifeguard Rams are determined to maintain their winning momentum.
KCB Kobs' Brian Wandera is tackled by a Kampani Eagles player during the Kyadondo 7s. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Head Coach Jude Rwakayange has made it clear that their sights are firmly fixed on the Gulu silverware.
“The Kyadondo 7s victory was a hard-fought battle, and we are not looking back," Rwakayange asserted. "We are fully prepared, focused, and ready to replicate that performance in Gulu.”
Rams Director of Rugby Richard Lumu backed his coach's words, highlighting the club's long-term ambitions to permanently upset the traditional rugby hierarchy.
“We are definitely the team to beat right now," Lumu stated. "We are heading to Gulu stronger than ever to pursue our dream of keeping a permanent seat at the dining table with the big boys of Ugandan rugby.”
The Rams' charge will be spearheaded by speedster Hossana Opilleni and Yusuf Ssemakula. However, a steep mountain awaits them.
Stanbic Black Pirates' William Nkore attempts to stop Victoria Sharks' Humphrey Asirigwa during the Kyadondo Rugby 7s. PHOTO: Johnson Were
They face immediate threats from current table leaders Stanbic Black Pirates (54 points) and Platinum Credit Heathens, the two heavyweights the Rams stunned in the semi-finals and final at Kyadondo.
Adding to the drama, defending Gulu 7s champions Toyota Buffaloes enter the fray desperate to protect their crown, while historical giants KCB Kobs and opening-circuit winners Walukuba Barbarians remain heavily in contention for the title.
1.Stanbic Black Pirates 54 points
2.Platinum Heathens 53
3.Walukuba Barbarians 49
4.KCB Kobs 47
5.Toyota Buffaloes 45
6.LifeGuard Rams 39
7.Victoria Sharks 32
8.Kampani Eagles 28
9.Plascon Mongers 26
10.Jinja Hippos 21
11.Rhinos 20
12.Mbale elephant15