Prior to the first phase of lifting the lockdown (around June) that was caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Uganda Rugby Union (URU) unveiled a plan to resume the Rugby Premier League and Regional Leagues, plus also plans for the future events.
However, the continued ban on sports and other crowd pulling events since March this year has made URU make necessary adjustments to the alternative activity calendar but the rugby custodians have chosen to maintain their sight on league (men’s) resumption, at least for now.
According to the the URU President Godwin Kayangwe, the union is still determined to ensure that the league is completed after the ban on sports is eased.
“We have already developed SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that we shall implement once we are allowed to play,” Kayangwe noted during the handover of personal protective equipment (PPE) to rugby clubs and facilities on Thursday at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
“We can complete the Rugby Premier League especially if we are given the green light by next month (October),” Kayangwe noted adding that; “if the situation persists and sports is still halted, we shall award the title to the league leader (Heathens).”
This year’s National Rugby Sevens Series and Uganda Cup will not happen according to the alternative activity calendar for they are behind schedule.
Meanwhile, with five games to play in the 10-team two-round league, cup holders Heathens are leading the table off 63 points, five ahead of second placed Kobs.
However, should it go as planned, both the men’s premier league and regional leagues will resume in a space of about two weeks after sports events are cleared to resume.
URU will allow at least 10 days for all teams to regroup and prepare for resumption of the games. In the same line, new amended fixtures will be circulated.
Meanwhile, for Schools Competitions, URU will make a decision after learning institutions are re-opened.
URU also has sight on other international events and should they be reinstated, the union will respond accordingly.