In the dynamic landscape of Ugandan rugby, the journey from a schoolboy prodigy to a consistent club player has often been a challenging one. At the heart of a project designed to change this narrative is Nkamba Alvin Aaron, a Civil Engineer by profession and the passionate coach steering the ship at both Makerere Impis and St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK).

In a recent interview, Coach Aaron shared his vision, his journey, and his plans for nurturing the next generation of rugby talent.

Aaron’s coaching journey began in 2017 at his alma mater, SMACK, driven by a deep-seated passion for teaching the game to young boys. His transition to club rugby with Makerere Impis in January 2024 was a strategic move to solve a problem he had observed for years.

“I had an issue with people asking me why there are so many great rugby players coming from school but they never get to play,” Aaron explained. He was approached by a former schoolmate to start a project focused on continuity, a concept that immediately resonated with him.

He noticed the trend across many powerhouse schools like Namilyango College, Kings College Buddo, and others, where only “one or two players” would transition into the league, leaving a wealth of talent untapped. This inspired him to take on the task of creating a “proper path” for these boys to seamlessly move from school to club rugby.

The transition, however, came with a new set of challenges and learning curves. “In a club setting, it turns into an interactive kind of coaching,” Aaron noted, highlighting the more collaborative dynamic where players are actively part of the coaching setup. He also pointed to the logistical complexities of managing university students and working individuals, a stark contrast to the structured school environment.

Balancing both roles requires meticulous programming. “I know when I am required at club…and I have my days where I go and coach at school 4-5 days a week,” he said, a system that has so far allowed him to effectively manage his dual responsibilities.

As Makerere Impis gear up for their Uganda Cup fixture this weekend against fellow university side, Victoria Sharks, Coach Aaron sees the tournament as the perfect benchmark for his developing squad.

“The idea about the Uganda Cup is for us to test ourselves against the best opposition,” he stated. With strong support from the university and an executive committee, and a highly motivated group of players, the team is entering the competition with confidence.

While admitting preparation might not be at “100%,” Aaron believes they have reached a solid 80%. The Cup serves as a crucial evaluation tool. “Our target is to be able to express ourselves fully, check our systems, and see how far that takes us,” he said. Whether it leads to a quarter-final berth or not, the primary goal is to assess their level, evaluate their playing systems, and build the boys’ confidence for the future league campaigns.

With a squad brimming with young talent, a key part of Coach Aaron’s mission is to prevent the common post-school drop-off from the game. He identifies a lack of “love” and a broken pathway as the core issues.

“Boys pick different interests, make a bit of wrong decisions, and they end up being fans until they drop out of the game,” he observed. The Impis project is designed to counter this by giving young players a platform to continuously showcase their talent and prove to themselves they are good enough.

The most powerful tool, however, is the power of role models. Aaron’s strategy is to create a visible pipeline where current schoolboys see their former “superstars” excelling at the club level.

“A boy that was in S.2….looking at the S.6 superstar he used to look up to playing club rugby, he’s going to set his mind and target, thinking ‘I need to get there’,” Aaron explained. This creates a self-sustaining cycle of inspiration and motivation, ensuring that the passion for rugby burns long after the final school bell has rung.

Through a blend of strategic vision, hands-on coaching, and a deep understanding of the rugby ecosystem, Coach Nkamba Alvin Aaron is not just building a team at Makerere Impis; he is forging a vital link in the chain of Ugandan rugby’s future.