The Gorilla 7s rugby tournament returns to Kabale this weekend for its seventh edition, bringing together teams from Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi for a three-day celebration of rugby, youth development and sports tourism.
The high-altitude sevens tournament, one of the most distinctive events on Uganda’s rugby calendar, will feature men’s and women’s competitions alongside an age-grade tournament aimed at promoting the growth of the sport among young players.
The action will begin on Friday with primary and secondary school teams taking part in the development tournament, before senior men’s and women’s teams battle it out on Saturday. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with tourism activities, including hiking and boat cruises on Lake Bunyonyi.
Tournament coordinator Jude Rwakayanga thanked the local organizing committee, Uganda Rugby, sponsors, participating teams and fans for supporting the return of the event.
“As the coordinator, I wish to thank the local organizing committee, Uganda Rugby, our partners, the teams and the fans that have committed to see Gorilla 7s happen,” Rwakayanga said.
Originally known as the Kigezi High Altitude 7s, the tournament has grown into a major rugby platform in south western Uganda, with Kabale’s altitude remaining a defining feature of the competition. The challenging conditions have added a unique dimension to the tournament while helping position it as a key sports tourism event.
This year’s competition will feature some of the country’s top rugby sides. Confirmed men’s teams include Kigezi Silverbacks, Rams, Uganda Rugby 7s Select, 1000 Hills, Walukuba Barbarians, Impis, Toyota Buffaloes, Uganda Rugby 7s Academy, KIU Crows and Platinum Credit Heathens.
The women’s category will feature teams including Kigezi Queens, Thunderbirds, Ewes, Rukinzo Women RFC and Kisoro Jaguars.
Defending champions Walukuba Barbarians will return to defend the men’s title, while Thunderbirds will seek to retain the women’s crown after winning the 2025 edition.
Kabale Stadium will once again serve as the tournament venue, continuing its role as the home of high-altitude rugby and a centre for the development of the game in the Kigezi region.
The tournament has also received a boost through a partnership between Engsol Engineering Solutions and the Kigezi Rugby Association. Through the initiative, a scrum machine was unveiled in Kabale to support player development and improve training facilities in the region.
Kigezi Rugby Association chairman Pearson Makoma said the partnership will benefit not only Kabale but also neighbouring districts as rugby development expands across the region.
Engsol Engineering Solutions Director Ian Walker said Kigezi has the potential to produce future rugby players and administrators, adding that the company remains committed to supporting rugby growth in Uganda.
