By Our Reporter | Kampala
Uganda is set to host the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series qualifier from September 26 to 27 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, with eight nations competing for a single ticket to the World Rugby Sevens Series for the 2027 season.
The two-day tournament will bring together Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal, with teams also competing for valuable continental ranking points.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Rugby President Goodwin Kayangwe said the tournament was a vote of confidence in Uganda’s ability to host major international sporting events.
“Africa comes to Kampala this weekend. Kampala will go to the world,” Kayangwe said, calling on Ugandans to fill kyadondo Rugby Grounds and support the Rugby Cranes Sevens.
The tournament is being held under Rugby Africa’s new two-tournament format for 2026, following the postponement of the Mauritius Championship. Uganda withdrew from the Mauritius event earlier in the year due to travel restrictions, but Kayangwe said the team had returned stronger and was ready to compete.
Uganda, a four-time champion, will be seeking its fifth title as it aims to secure a place in the global competition.
Kayangwe said Kyadondo Rugby Grounds had undergone improvements to its drainage and playing surface to meet World Rugby standards. The venue was selected because of its proximity to essential amenities and the ongoing renovation of government playing facilities ahead of the country’s 2027 activities.
He described the tournament as an opportunity to promote Uganda’s international image, youth engagement, tourism and the country’s broader development ambitions.
Tournament committ Chairperson Sarah Adong said preparations were at an advanced stage, with security agencies, medical teams and relevant government institutions having completed the necessary clearances.
All participating teams are expected to arrive in Uganda on September 24, followed by the captains’ run at kyadondo and a captains’ photoshoot at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe on September 25.
Teams and officials will be accommodated at Asela Hotel in Achera Municipality, Wakiso District, while transport arrangements will be provided for visiting teams and accredited media personnel.
Adong urged journalists to complete accreditation before the deadline and reminded all accredited individuals to observe access restrictions and World Rugby security protocols.
Organisers said the tournament would offer more than rugby, with an entertainment festival planned alongside the matches.
The event will feature fireworks, live streaming and a fun-park experience under the theme “Rugby by Day, Festival by Night.”
Ticket prices have been set at:
* Ordinary one-day ticket: Shs20,000
* Ordinary two-day pass: Shs35,000
* VIP one-day ticket: Shs50,000
* VIP two-day pass: Shs90,000
Fans can purchase tickets through MTN MoMo, with organisers encouraging early purchases ahead of the tournament.
Camilla Wambori of Harris International, makers of Rokboom and Crystal Water, pledged the company’s support for the event, saying partners were committed to ensuring Uganda delivers a successful tournament and leaves visiting nations with a positive experience.
The tournament is supported by Nile Special, Harris International, MTN MoMo, NBS, kyadondo Rugby Club and the National Council of Sports, among other partners.
Rugby captain Ian Nyanyi said the team was well prepared after several months of training, which began around February. He noted that the postponement of their earlier fixture had provided additional time for preparation.
“It’s an honour to represent our country and represent it at home,” Nyanyi said, promising fans exciting rugby.
Team representative Michael Wandera said the squad was aware of the tough competition and would approach every match with determination.
He said the team’s objectives were to play rugby that makes Uganda proud, compete for a podium finish and secure its international ambitions.
The final 12-player squad is expected to be announced on September 23, ahead of the tournament.
With eight nations competing for one World Series qualification place, Uganda’s Rugby Cranes Sevens will be counting on home support as they pursue a fifth continental title and a return to the international stage.
