Walukuba Barbarians claim Wafula 7s title
The champions produced a commanding performance throughout the tournament, reaching the final after a 52-0 demolition of Busitema in the semi-finals. Hippos secured their place in the final after beating Kenya's Border Rucks 35-7.
Walukuba Barbarian Rugby team celebrate winning the Herbert Wafula Memorial 7s, as in the background is Wafula family. (Photo by Johnson Were)
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Walukuba Barbarians stamped their authority on the fourth Herbert Wafula Memorial Rugby 7s, defeating Jinja Hippos 22-7 in the final to claim the championship title at Busia Integrated School.
The champions produced a commanding performance throughout the tournament, reaching the final after a 52-0 demolition of Busitema in the semi-finals. Hippos secured their place in the final after beating Kenya's Border Rucks 35-7.
The victory came in a final billed as the Jinja derby, with Walukuba overcoming their city rivals to honour the legacy of Herbert Wafula, a former Rugby Cranes captain and coach.
Hippos forward Hassan Gidudu was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Former Rugby Union Chairman Paul Sigombe (L) hands over the trophy to Walukuba Barbarians team captain as former team mate with Wafula Ebra Nyango looks on right. (Photo by John Were)
The one-day event attracted 10 teams, including Kenyan side Border Rucks, Mumias, Border Pyson, Busitema Baboons, Dragons, Soroti Rangers, Walukuba, Hippos and Mbale.
Former Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) vice chairman Paul Sigombe believes the tournament has the potential to become a regional competition involving more teams from Uganda and Kenya.
Sigombe, who also served as Uganda Rugby Union chairman, said Wafula's contribution extended beyond Uganda, having represented both Kenya and Uganda at the highest level.
“We want to see more teams from Uganda and Kenya participate in this tournament to grow bigger and become a regional tournament and grow the sport of rugby in the Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda,” Sigombe added.
Wafula played for St Mary's Secondary School in Kenya, Impis Rugby Club Makerere and Black Pirates Rugby Club. He captained both the Rugby Cranes 15s and 7s teams before later coaching the national sides.
He also coached the Lady Rugby Cranes 15s team, KCB KOBS and Black Pirates, while serving Uganda Rugby Union as country rugby manager and a member of the technical committee.
The rugby icon passed away in 2023 and was laid to rest on his ancestral land in Daban, Busia District.