The Late Herbert Wafula’s influence on Ugandan rugby will be celebrated once more when the Herbert Wafula Memorial 7s takes place at Busia Integrated Primary School Playgrounds on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

The memorial tournament has attracted a strong regional field of 13 teams, with five clubs from Kenya and eight from Uganda confirmed for the competition. Kenya will be represented by Nambale, Border Rucks, Andeliza, Border Pythons, and Mumias Rugby Clubs, while the Ugandan challenge will come from Busitema Boons, Bududa Dragons, Hippos, Walukuba, Soroti Raptors, Bugiri Chiefs, Bugweri Raiders, and Budondo Rugby Clubs. The cross border lineup gives the event a distinctly East African flavour and reflects the respect Wafula commanded across the rugby fraternity.

Wafula was more than a former player and coach. Known for his straight shooting style, no nonsense approach, and deep knowledge of the game, he earned widespread respect as a rugby encyclopaedia whose understanding of the sport was unmatched.

His playing career included spells at Rhinos RFC, KOBs RFC, Impis RFC, and Black Pirates RFC, where he was a founding player. He went on to captain both the Rugby Cranes 7s and 15s teams between 1999 and 2002, leading Uganda to its first ever wins over Kenya in both formats. His leadership also helped Uganda secure the CAR 1B triumph in 2002, milestones that remain defining moments in the country’s rugby history.

After hanging up his boots, Wafula remained central to the game. He coached the national 7s and 15s teams, served as Uganda Rugby Team Manager from 2002 to 2009, and sat on the Uganda Rugby Technical Committee. He later became a World Rugby Certified Educator, helping to develop coaches and players across the region.

At club level, he served as Club Secretary of Black Pirates. Away from the field, he was a familiar voice to fans through his “The Captain’s Word” column in the New Vision, where his analysis carried the same clarity and conviction that defined his rugby career.

Wafula passed away in November 2023 after a long illness, leaving a deep void in Ugandan rugby. But his legacy lives on in the people and structures he helped build.

The Herbert Wafula Memorial 7s gives the rugby fraternity another chance to honour that legacy the best way possible, through the game. The day will blend competitive rugby with remembrance, as Uganda and Kenya teams gather in Busia to celebrate a player, captain, coach, educator, and servant whose impact will be felt for many years to come.

Following the final whistle, players, friends and fans will converge at Ba Booze Tavern, Peace Complex Opp Rand Hotel for an evening of stories, music and fellowship, a chance to catch up, raise a glass, and remember the man who gave so much to Ugandan rugby.

Follow the official Uganda Rugby, social media accounts to keep up with all information from the games including fixtures, results, and statistical information. Uganda Rugby is also available via WhatsApp Channel, simply tap the icon below to follow.