Ahead of a possible return of competitive play, local rugby governing body Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to rugby clubs and facilities. The exercise happened on Thursday at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
The equipment that is meant to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic comprises of; reusable face masks, hand sanitizers, hand washing equipment, infrared thermometers and the like.
URU President Godwin Kayangwe who presided over the event noted that the union is continuing to extend support to clubs with the drive to make them ready for the resumption of sports once the lockdown is lifted to enable the clubs return to play.
“Rugby Afrique offered aid in tunes of 5000 Euros to the Uganda Rugby Union. It is with this aid that the union was able to purchase Personal Protective Equipment for rugby clubs and grounds following the guidelines as per the Ministry of health. A total of 1500 players, 25 playing facilities and referees are set to benefit from this aid,” URU’s Kayangwe added.
Kayangwe who was flanked by a few members of the Union’s Executive Committee added that they are in touch with government through NCS and the Covid-19 National Task Force as efforts are made to reinstate competitive play.
The clubs that received equipment are; Hima Cement Heathens, Betway Kobs, Stanbic Pirates, 9 Brarrells Warriors,Toyota Buffaloes, Rams, Makerere Impis, Shell Rimula Rhinos, Plascon Mongers, Boks, Stallions. Sailors, Kyambogo , Jjengo, Pacers, Rams 2, Kifalu, Bootcamp, UCU, Thunderbirds, Black Pearls, Lady Avengers, Entebbe Swans, Jinja Hippos, Walukuba, Kiira, Crocs, Busitema Baboons, Mbale Elephants, Elgon Wolves, Nakaloke, Mbale Eagles, Soroti Rnagers, Kitgum Lions, Northern Force, Gulu Sprinters, Kitgum Queens, Lira Matrix, Aduku Tigers, Mbarara MUST, KIU Crows, Buddu Lions, Kabale Gorillas. UMU Nkozi and Mbarara Titans.
The facilities that got equipment are; Kyadondo Rugby Club, Legends Rugby Club, Kings Park Bweyogerere, Entebbe1, Makerere Graveyard, Entebbe2 House of Pain, Jinja1, Jinja2, Busitema, Mbale, Soroti, Kitgum, Gulu2, Lira, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Masaka, Kabale and Nkozi.
Since March this year, sports activities have been on a halt albeit National Council of Sports (NCS) guiding it’s 51 member federations/associations/unions on drafting SOPs to follow in the post-lockdown era.
Reports indicate that sport could be reinstated ‘very soon’ for major authorities have already been engaged on the matter.