Kabale Stadium was the epicentre of thrilling rugby action on June 29th, as the 5th edition of the Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s tournament sponsored by Guinness hosted top-tier talent from Uganda and Rwanda.
The highlight of the day was an Eastern Uganda derby that saw Walukuba Barbarians’ emphatic victory over the Jinja Hippos in the men’s final. The team managed to cement their dominance against their local rivals with an impressive 22-12 score.
Their aggressive offense and impenetrable defence left the Jinja Hippos struggling to keep up. The Barbarians’ seamless coordination and quick transitions from defence to attack were indeed a sight to behold. Their strategic play, marked by precise passing and explosive runs, showcased why they are a force to be reckoned with in the rugby sevens arena.
“This victory has come from all our hard work and dedication of every member of our team. We came here with a mission to play our best rugby, and we executed our game plan perfectly,” remarked Bob Kawanda, Team Captain Walukuba Barbarians.
Looking back on the full adventure: the tournament kicked off with a fierce contest between the Lifeguard Rams and the Toyota Buffaloes, with the Rams securing a hard-fought win.
The tournament which featured 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams was proof of the growing popularity and competitive nature of rugby in the region.
Roy Tumwizere, the Guinness Brand Manager, spoke passionately about the brand’s continued commitment to rugby, stating, “Rugby and Guinness are a great match because both embody strength, passion, and a sense of community. Our involvement in events like the Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s allows us to celebrate these values and support the development of rugby from the ground up. A big congratulations to the Walukuba Barbarians for their amazing performance.”
Notably, this edition included female teams from Rwanda, highlighting the expanding reach and inclusivity of the event. The women’s matches began with a tightly contested game between the Ewes and the Swans, which ended in a draw.
The defending champions, the Lifeguard Rams, put up a strong performance but ultimately finished third. However, they boasted the tournament’s top scorer and MVP, Opilleni Hossana and Edrine Obbo respectively, showcasing their exceptional talent.
In the women’s category, the Thunderbirds emerged as the overall winners, with Angayika Comfort being named the top scorer and MVP.
Teams such as the Kobs, Rhinos, Warriors, Rams, Jinja Hippos, Kigezi Silverbacks, Tooro Lions, Naguru Home Boys, Kigezi Queens, Jaguars, and Lady Swans brought their A-game, ensuring a day full of excitement. Rwanda was represented by the Lions De Fer, 1000 Hills, Rwamagana Hippos (Women), and Kamonyi Panthers (Women), adding an international flair to the competition.
The Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s, organized by Rams Rugby Football Club in collaboration with Kigezi Silverbacks RFC and Kigezi Queens, continues to grow in stature and popularity. The tournament is sponsored by Guinness, alongside Pepsi, Doctors Choice Ltd, Bunyonyi Safaris Resort, URU, WURA, Lifeguard Rams, Kigezi Silverbacks, and Kigezi Queens.
