Hima boosts rugby franchises with sh50m

By Johnson Were

2014 Bamburi Rugby Super Series

Saturday April 26 in Kampala

Victoria v Chui (Pool A) 2.00pm

Rwenzori v Papa (Pool B) 4.00pm 

Saturday May 3, in Kakamega

Ndovu v Victoria (Pool A) 4.00m

Saturday May 17 in Nakuru

Kifaru v Rwenzori (Pool B) 2.00pm  

RUGBY players will have to prove their worth in a local franchise tournament before making it to the Rwenzori and Victoria sides that will represent Uganda in the 2014 Bamburi Rugby Super Series tournament that kick-offs next month (April 26) with the Kampala Circuit.

Uganda Rugby Union (URU) president Andrew Owor revealed this in a press briefing during the launch of the tournament at Golf Course Hotel where Hima unveiled a sh50m sponsorship package to the Ugandan franchises.

“Our target is to present two strong sides in this year’s edition that is why we shall have a mini franchise tournament to select the top performing players to form Rwenzori and Victoria,” Owor confirmed the development.

Owor further urged more sponsors to join Hima Cement in this noble cause so that they are able to field more facilitated and motivated teams to battle for the crown.

Hima general Manger, Daniel Pettersson before handing over a sh50m cheque to the URU president reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting sports.

“We have been partners for the past years and as Hima we believe that sports creates unity, inspiration and good governance among the youth. That is why we shall continue to support rugby as one way of giving back to community,” Pettersson stated.

Victoria and Rwenzori will host Kenya’s Chui and Papa respectively at Kyadondo Rugby Club in the opening fixtures before traveling to Kenya the following weekend.

Last year, Uganda’s Dimension Data Rwenzori lost the final to Kenya’s Top Fry Ndovu 24-18 in Nairobi.