Sarah Adongo to lead Barthes Cup Local Organising Committee

Sarah Adongo will lead the Local Organising Committee of the Barthes Cup tournament, scheduled to take place from August 5 to 15, 2026, in Hoima City.

She becomes the first female in the country to lead an organising committee for an international rugby competition in Uganda.

The seasoned sports journalist brings to the table vast experience gained from different international events she covered as a journalist.

According to Adongo, stakeholder collaborations, including cultural institutions (especially the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom), learning institutions, politicians, and sponsors, will be involved at different levels.

"A strong working relationship with all committees, the Union, and government departments to ensure the smooth running of the tournament will be at the top of my agenda," Adongo said.

"The media, regional associations, and other sports bodies like football, as well as the tourism sector, will also be involved to help sell the brand of rugby to the people of Bunyoro and the entire country," she added.

Tournament Format & Participants

Eight countries will compete: Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tunisia, Zambia, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, and hosts Uganda.

Uganda is placed in Pool B alongside Zambia, Madagascar, and Ivory Coast, while Pool A features defending champions Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia.

The Barthes Cup is an annual U20 rugby tournament for the Africa Rugby Union and serves as the qualifier for the Junior World Rugby Championship.

Kenya and Zimbabwe have been dominant forces in this tournament, with Kenya as the defending champions.

Uganda replaced Senegal in the 2022 tournament, finishing sixth overall after a win against Ivory Coast and a loss to Tunisia in the placement matches. In 2023 in Nairobi, Uganda again finished sixth.

GROUP A

Zimbabwe

Kenya

Namibia

Tunisia

GROUP B:

Zambia

Madagascar

Uganda

Ivory Coast