After more than a decade at the helm, Tolbert Onyango stepped down as head coach of Uganda’s national Sevens rugby team, closing a remarkable chapter that has reshaped the sport in the country. His tenure was marked by landmark victories, a steady pipeline of young talent, and the rise of Uganda Sevens as a respected force on the African continent and a worthy competitor on the global stage.
The Uganda Rugby Union confirmed Onyango’s step down earlier this week, announcing Allan Otim as the caretaker head coach. Otim now inherits both the pressure and the privilege of guiding a team that Onyango has carefully molded into one of Uganda’s proudest sporting outfits.
Looking back on his career, Onyango singled out the team’s famous 2016 triumph at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi as a significant moment that he recalls. “That win really kicked off our progress and opened our eyes to what was possible for the national team,” he recalled. “It gave us the opportunity to go to Dubai and we shared changing rooms with some of the top rugby nations in the world; Australia, England, Fiji. That exposure expanded our mindset on how we could better prepare and attack tournaments.”
Onyango credited Uganda’s domestic rugby circuit for laying the foundation for continued success. “Our local competition has become a great platform for young players to shine. Just from the recent 7s tournament, you see many of them picking up MVP awards, which is amazing,” he said.
He praised the Uganda Rugby Union for putting structures in place to identify and nurture talent, but he also pointed out the need to widen the sport’s reach. “We still need to do more at the club level and spread the game further,” Onyango added, noting that teams like Walukuba Rugby Club are already producing players who could make an impact at the national level within the next two to three years.
For Onyango, rugby has always been more than just a sport. His journey began during his high school years, when he attended a game and was struck by the unique spirit surrounding it.
“The cheering, the songs, the tackles, the energy; it was all so alive,” he said. “And then after the game, the same players who had been bashing each other were sharing high fives, food, or a drink together. It struck me as a very different sport, and I thought: this is the game for me.” That culture of respect and camaraderie, he added, remains one of rugby’s greatest gifts to those who play and follow the game.
Asked what he hoped to have instilled in his players, Onyango emphasized discipline above all else.
“For me, discipline is everything. It’s the small, consistent efforts you make every day that bring results; sometimes two or three years down the road, both in sport and in life. Discipline helps you avoid so many pitfalls.”
Instead of offering advice, Onyango closed with a heartfelt message of gratitude to everyone who has supported Ugandan rugby over the years. “This is really a word of thanks to the entire rugby community; the players, the fans, the kids starting out,” he said. “Because of your support, these young men are staying out of trouble, getting disciplined, and learning from different cultures. Some even make it to the national team and get to see the world.”
Tolbert Onyango leaves behind a Ugandan Sevens program that is stronger, deeper, and more confident than when he took over. His influence extended beyond the field, shaping a culture built on discipline, respect, and belief. As Allan Otim steps into the role, he will be carrying forward not just a team but the enduring legacy of a coach who devoted ten years to lifting Ugandan rugby onto the world stage.
The Rugby Cranes 7s will be in action next weekend in the 2025 Safari 7s in Nairobi Kenya, under the watch of Allan Otim, and team Manager Micheal Wandera.
Follow all matches live via the Official Uganda Rugby Union platforms, tap photo below to join the Official URU WhatsApp Channel.
