Swans Beach Rugby Festival blends sport and cancer awareness on Entebbe’s shores

ENTEBBE - The usually calm shores of Aero Beach came alive on Saturday as Swans Sports Club hosted its annual Beach Rugby Against Cancer festival, a vibrant mix of sport, health, and social awareness that drew hundreds of participants to the Entebbe waterfront.

The day-long event was not just about the excitement of beach rugby. 

It carried a deeper purpose, promoting cancer awareness and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. 

Attendees benefited from free cancer screenings, diabetes checks, and blood pressure monitoring, all while enjoying a fun-filled day of sport and entertainment.

“This event is about more than rugby,” said Martin Mangusho, Vice President of Swans Sports Club. 

“It is about fostering a healthy community, raising awareness on cancer and NCDs, and encouraging early detection,” Mangusho emphasized.

“By combining sports, fun, and health screenings, we create a unique platform for education and engagement,” he added.

Backed by the Uganda Cancer Institute and several volunteer health professionals, the event provided free on-site medical services, ensuring that participants accessed essential preventive care without cost barriers.

The sandy pitches hosted 12 festival teams, each adding color and excitement to the day. 

Team Offseason, captained by national team player Joseph Aredo of Kobs RFC, lifted the trophy after a thrilling final against Team Tequila Shots.

Other participating teams included Ebyononese, Balaam, Trybabies, Legacy Holders, Global High School, Abakamanyi, Fukho, Swans Festival, and Los Bandidos.

Off the field, PlayHouse256 kept both children and adults entertained with interactive games and challenges that encouraged fitness and teamwork. 

The energy was infectious, with music, dance, and laughter turning Aero Beach into a hive of activity.

Remembering Cancer Heroes

The guest of honor, Sir Ian Walker, Managing Director of Engineering Solutions Ltd, commended Swans Sports Club for using sport as a vehicle for change. 

He also led a heartfelt tribute to two individuals who embodied the spirit of the event, the late Frank Muthusi, former Group CEO of Fireworks Advertising, and the late Balaam Daniel Lubangakene of Rams RFC.

“These two gentlemen fought bravely and inspired many through their involvement in sport and advocacy,” said Sir Ian.

“Their legacy reminds us why events like this matter, they bring hope, awareness, and unity,”.

Community Support and Impact

The 2025 Swans Beach Rugby Festival was supported by Uganda Cancer Institute, Engineering Solutions Ltd, PlayHouse256, Stanbic Bank, Plus256 Studios, Photobox256, and Go Pictures.

As the sun set over Lake Victoria, it was clear that the day had achieved its purpose, celebrating sport, promoting health, and strengthening community bonds.

For the Swans Sports Club, success was not measured in tries or trophies alone, but in the number of people who walked away more informed, more active, and more united in the fight against cancer and lifestyle diseases.