Walukuba Barbarians present rugby championship trophy to Kyabazinga

The Walukuba Barbarians Rugby Club has officially presented its newly won 2025 Nile Special Uganda Sevens Series Overall Men’s Champions trophy to His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga.

The ceremony, held on October 3rd at Igenge Palace, marked a historic milestone for the club and reaffirmed its strong ties with the Busoga Kingdom.

A Celebration of Victory and Vision

The event served both as a victory presentation and a progress report, spotlighting the club’s achievements and the continued growth of the Kyabazinga Sevens tournament. In his remarks, the Kyabazinga congratulated the team and praised their dedication to developing rugby and engaging youth in meaningful activities.

“It is easier to begin something, but sustaining it is difficult,” His Majesty noted. “You’ve managed to keep the Kyabazinga Sevens tournament alive and growing. Without teamwork, this victory wouldn’t have been possible.”

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle) in a group photograph with team players and managment of Walukuba Barbarians Rugby Club at his Igenge Palace in Jinja City on Friday. Photo by Donald Kiirya

He also commended the club for winning the Coronation Sevens tournament in Buganda and reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting sports, including the proposed Busoga Kingdom Masaza Rugby tournament.

Empowering Youth Beyond the Pitch

The Kyabazinga emphasized that sports are just one avenue for youth empowerment. Through his ‘Abasadha n’empango’ (Men are Pillars) initiative, the Kingdom is tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and promoting vocational training alongside sports.

“With over 70% of Busoga’s population being youth, it’s vital they engage in productive activities,” he said. “Thank you for nurturing young people as the leaders of tomorrow.”

Raising the Flag High

Owek. Luganda Alex, Busoga Kingdom’s Constitutional Affairs Minister and a sports enthusiast, praised the team’s role in elevating the Kingdom’s image.

“They’ve raised the Kyabazinga’s profile and flown the Busoga flag high through the Kyabazinga Sevens tournament at Bugembe,” Luganda said.

“We Made a Kill”: Club Reports Triumph

Walukuba Rugby Club Chairman Simon Peter Waiswa delivered the team’s report to the Kyabazinga, proudly presenting both the national championship trophy and the Kyabazinga Sevens title.

“Where he sent us to hunt, we made a kill,” Waiswa declared. He acknowledged past concerns about the club’s performance and affirmed that they are now winning, reflecting the strength of their partnership with the Kingdom.

Uganda Rugby Union Commits to Partnership

Peter Odong, Honorary Secretary of the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), applauded the Kingdom’s support and pledged continued collaboration.

“We’re here to hand over the trophies Walukuba Barbarians won, including the overall Nile Special Rugby Sevens title,” Odong said. “We thank the Kingdom for opening Bugembe grounds and ensuring officials respect and officiate the games.”

Odong concluded by affirming URU’s commitment to working closely with the Busoga Kingdom on behalf of all rugby clubs nationwide.