Wales clinch Uganda's first-ever wheelchair rugby title

The Wales national team lived up to expectations, winning Uganda's inaugural Tugende 2026 National Wheelchair Rugby Championship, which ran for three days at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

They dominated the final, defeating the Gulu team by a commanding 32-09 margin in a thrilling title decider between the two top teams from the four that competed.

The visitors also beat a combined Uganda select side in an international friendly, intended to help gauge the benefits Uganda gained from competing against a team with European experience.

The three-day event, which began on Wednesday, attracted teams from Kampala, Gulu, Wakiso, and the visiting side from Wales.

Despite the loss, the national combined team brought smiles to the faces of players, organizers, and the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC) after pushing the visitors to a narrow 24-21 defeat.

UPC President Bumali Mpindi expressed optimism, saying the national team's strong performance offers hope that Uganda could be competing in Paralympic wheelchair rugby by 2032.

"We shall start vigorous training of this team, especially if we get sponsorship from the government and well-wishers. There is a lot of talent in the sport in Uganda, and I thank UWRF President Jairus Wanyera for arranging for the Wales team to come to Uganda," Mpindi noted, adding that he also handed over accolades to the winners.

In preparation for the tournament, the Welsh coaches conducted coaching and refereeing clinics for Ugandan players, referees, and officials.

Beyond the technical aspects of the game, the Welsh team donated two rugby wheelchairs, an electronic scoreboard, gloves, medicine, and other equipment to the Uganda Rugby Wheelchair Federation (UWRF) to help elevate the sport in the country.

Dr. Justin Griffiths, President of the Wales Wheelchair Rugby Union, said UWRF reached out to them for mutual understanding, benchmarking, and general assistance, which is why they came to Uganda.

"Uganda has talented players who can excel if they receive proper nurturing. We found that they lack adequate equipment, so we have donated two competition and travel wheelchairs, an electronic scoreboard, gloves, strings, and many other accessories," said Dr. Griffiths.

He added that because of the warm reception, the Wales team will return to Uganda for the 2027 Tugende Championship.

He also noted that once Uganda strengthens its program and acquires more equipment, the national team will be able to tour countries such as Wales for friendly matches and international competitions.

UWRF President Wanyera extended gratitude to the Wales team for accepting the invitation to come to Uganda and for equipping the sport with essential tools.

Wanyera said the tournament will be held annually, with more teams expected to compete in future editions.