Uganda Under-20 captain Elijah Kantinti is hoping to lead by example as the Rugby Cranes U20 side prepares to compete on home soil at the 2026 Barthes Trophy, Africa’s premier Under-20 rugby tournament.
The competition will take place from 7–17 August at Wateesa II Stadium in Kampala, with Uganda aiming to use home advantage to make a strong impression and continue its rise within African youth rugby.
For Kantinti, the tournament represents more than just a sporting contest. It is an opportunity to showcase rugby’s ability to bring communities together and inspire a new generation of players.
“Rugby is not just a sport, but a community of families that come together every now and then, on a rectangular surface to push and pull each other,” Kantinti said.
“I highly encourage and welcome everyone into this family, regardless of status or background.”
Kantinti’s own rugby journey began unexpectedly. A talented all-round sportsman as a child, he initially had interests in football, basketball and cricket before discovering rugby through Tag Rugby at Aga Khan Primary School.
After stepping away from the sport temporarily, he returned to rugby while at King’s College Budo, where he found a unique identity in the game.
“I realised that many people played football, so I found a uniqueness in this ‘rough’ game of rugby,” he explained.
“I wasn’t one of the biggest or most muscular of boys, but I found it quite stupendous to pass an egg-shaped ball, and knock around friends from time to time. What began as a hobby later turned into something much more.”
Now entrusted with leading Uganda’s national youth side, Kantinti sees captaincy as a responsibility built through years of teamwork and support from those around him.
His leadership experience began at school level, first as vice-captain of the Under-17 team before later becoming captain of the Under-20 side at King’s College Budo.
“I owe it to my teams, both at the school and national levels, for having given me the opportunity, which I do not take for granted,” Kantinti said.
He also credited his family, coaches, teammates and especially his father, Kantinti Dick Musoke, for playing an important role in his development as a player and leader.
The 2026 Barthes Trophy will feature two divisions based on competitive rankings. The Performance Division includes defending champions Namibia alongside Kenya, Tunisia and Zimbabwe, while Uganda and Zambia will compete in the First Division.
For Uganda, the tournament carries major significance. The winner of the First Division will earn a chance to secure a place in the 2027 Barthes Trophy Performance Division, providing a pathway for the country to move higher up Africa’s youth rugby structure.
With a passionate home crowd expected behind them, the Rugby Cranes U20 will look to combine ambition, talent and national pride as they chase success in Kampala.
The tournament opens on Friday, 7 August, with Uganda facing Zambia in the First Division at 16:00 EAT. The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, 11 August, before Uganda concludes its campaign with a test match against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 15 August.
Fans can follow the action through Rugby Pass TV and Rugby Africa’s official digital platforms.
