President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni represented with the Rugby World Cup trophy by World Rugby Vice Chairman Jonathan Webb at the State Lodge Nakasero on the 7th July 2025. Photo by PPU /Tony Rujuta
Museveni hosts Herbert Mensah at Nakasero, Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda is more than ready to host the Rugby Africa Tournament, which doubles as a Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament.
The statement was made by President Yoweri Museveni as he welcomed Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, and his delegation to Uganda.
He praised the sport of rugby as a powerful tool for unity, fitness, and social transformation.
“I appreciated the move to include Uganda in the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour and also selecting the country as a host of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup,” he said during a high-level meeting at State Lodge, Nakasero.
He explained that rugby, unlike some other sports, is particularly effective in instilling national discipline and cooperation.
“Rugby captures different elements of purpose. It is physically vigorous, excellent for fitness but more importantly, it builds teamwork. In rugby, you cannot succeed through individual excellence alone. It’s collective effort that wins the game. That’s the spirit our country needs, unity and shared purpose,” he said.
Reflecting on the global nature of sport and its place in cultural integration, Museveni commented on the role of countries like Britain post-European Union exit.
“When Britain joined the European Union around 1964, I followed that debate. Since they left, they have become more active in global engagements. Sports, culture, education, science all these are means of keeping nations connected and purposeful. Rugby is now one of those unifying forces,” he added.
He also proudly noted the rise of Uganda’s female athletes, saying: “I’m glad our daughters are doing very well. They’ve carried the flag with dignity.”
On his part, Mensah noted that Uganda has become a continental force.
“At the AU Games in Ghana, your teams were champions. Uganda’s name was mentioned alongside Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Julius Nyerere,” he said.
Mensah further cited Uganda’s infrastructure and peace as key reasons Rugby Africa is confident in hosting the World Cup qualifier in the East African country.
Dr. Jonathan Webb, the Vice-Chair of World Rugby, also lauded Uganda’s hospitality and commitment to sports development.
“We are extremely committed to supporting Uganda’s rugby journey not just as a sport, but as a tool for empowering lives and communities,” he said.
Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports, said hosting the tournament will inspire a new generation and amplify Uganda’s global reputation.
He said that Uganda’s sports ecosystem infrastructure, policy, and leadership is now ripe for global attention.
“Hosting this World Cup qualifier is more than a sporting event. It will attract global attention, inspire our youth, and give Uganda a platform to tell its story,” he noted.
