Rugby suffers major setback as Legends Rugby Ground closes to the sport
The decision affects five clubs—KCB Kobs, Rhinos, Panthers, Rams, and Warriors—that have called the facility home for the past two decades.
Legend Rugby Club has been taken over by the owner of Forest MallL Stanslas Isiagi. PHOTO: Johnson Were
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
Ugandan rugby has been dealt a significant blow following the closure of the iconic Legends Rugby Club ground to the sport with immediate effect.
The decision affects five clubs—KCB Kobs, Rhinos, Panthers, Rams, and Warriors—that have called the facility home for the past two decades.
The ground has now been taken over by businessman Stanslas Isiagi, the landowner, after the expiration of a lease previously held by Rhinos Rugby Club member Daniel Kagwa. According to sources, Isiagi plans to redevelop the site into a hotel and swimming pool.
“It’s true—the facility is gone. The landlord came and took possession, and he intends to invest in hospitality infrastructure,” a source told Vision Sport on condition of anonymity.
The five affected clubs are now left scrambling for alternative venues. Rhinos official Emmanuel Fudribo said, “I hear Dannie [Kaggwa] is trying to negotiate with Isiagi, but as of now, we’re in the dark.”
“Where we go from here is uncertain. We’ll have to wait and see how this weekend plays out,” he added.
In 2012, Kampala Rugby Union Football Club (KRUFC) sold the facility to Kaggwa under a lease agreement that expired on March 31, 2025. KRUFC had previously failed to secure a lease renewal for the land.
Efforts to reach Daniel Kaggwa for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Earlier this year, the Uganda Revenue Authority temporarily closed the facility over unpaid taxes. However, it was reopened the same day to allow the league match between KCB Kobs and Stanbic Black Pirates to proceed.
A rugby official, also speaking anonymously, warned that this situation is a wake-up call for all sports federations: “This should be a lesson—invest in privately owned mailo land rather than leasehold property. With leases, once they expire, you risk losing everything you’ve developed.”
Uganda Rugby Union Secretary Peter Odongo declined to comment, stating he had not received formal communication regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, the national rugby team—the Rugby Cranes—has already relocated its training sessions to Kyadondo Rugby Club. The team is currently preparing for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.