Uganda Rugby President Godwin Kayangwe has described corporate sponsorship at club level as the engine that sustains Uganda’s national teams, urging continued investment in clubs as the foundation of the sport’s development pathway. Kayangwe further called upon potential funders to invest more in Rugby Clubs.
Kayangwe made the remarks today morning at CFAO Mobility’s offices on Plot 1, First Street, Industrial Area, during the unveiling of Toyota Buffaloes’ new home and away kits.
Held under the theme “New Chapter, New Look, Same Spirit,” the ceremony marked the Kyadondo based club’s first kit launch since 2022 and celebrated Toyota by CFAO Mobility’s 19 year partnership with the Buffaloes. The longest club partnership in Ugandan rugby.
“When you support a club, you are directly supporting Uganda as a whole,” Kayangwe said. “We get all our players from the clubs.”
He noted that clubs remain the primary source of both players and coaches for the national teams, citing Toyota Buffaloes Head Coach Charles Onen’s dual role with the club and as Head Coach of the Lady Cranes Sevens.
Kayangwe, who started his playing career with Impis and Pirates, also recalled his brief personal connection with the Buffaloes before moving into administration.
“When I played rugby, I played for Pirates and Impis with the big man, Andrew Owor. When I left the country, I came back and my attempt to come back and play rugby was with Buffaloes. I played one game for Buffaloes, but things were bitter for me. So, I did not continue and I ended up in management,” he said.
Kayangwe’s reference to Andrew Owor carried particular significance. Owor served as Uganda Rugby President from 2013 to 2019, a period that saw major growth in Uganda Rugby, including continental success and qualification for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens before his transition to Vice President of Rugby Africa. He was succeeded by Kayangwe, who had previously served as Honorary Secretary and now also serves as First Vice President of the Uganda Olympic Committee and a member of the Rugby Africa Executive Committee.
The two former Uganda Rugby presidents later shared a photo moment as the Buffaloes marked a new chapter.
CFAO Mobility Managing Director Etienne Audeoud officially handed the new Mafro Sports home jersey to Buffaloes captain Daniels Otim, with the grey away kit also unveiled. The new kits come just over a week before the 2026 Uganda Cup kicks off on 24th October.
Kayangwe praised the Buffaloes for their resilience, structural growth and competitive spirit, highlighted by their recent Premiership final appearance.
“Thank you very much for supporting rugby, and we hope that this sky is not the limit” Kayangwe told Toyota by CFAO.
The president further called upon enterprises and business to invest more into rugby stating: To businesses and organisations considering partnership with rugby, there has never been a better time to join us. By sponsoring a club, you invest in young talent, community engagement, and the future of one of Uganda’s most passionate sports”
The unveiling was attended by the Toyota by CFAO team, the Toyota Buffaloes Executive Committee, Kyadondo Rugby Club management, captain Daniels Otim, players, fans and members of the media.
With fresh kits, renewed corporate backing and a clear development message from Uganda Rugby’s leadership, the Buffaloes now head into the upcoming fixtures looking to build on their competitive momentum.