The Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, has reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s full backing for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, describing the tournament as a powerful opportunity to unite the country and showcase the nation’s sporting and organisational strength on the continental stage.

Speaking during the official launch event at the Next Media Park in Naguru, Hon. Ogwang extended warm greetings from the Ministry of Education and Sports and applauded the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) for once again delivering a platform of continental significance.

“On behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Uganda, I bring greetings and full support for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025. We are proud to see rugby continue to grow in strength, structure, and national impact.”

Hon. Ogwang emphasised that sport remains a strategic pillar in the government’s agenda for national development, youth empowerment, and social transformation.

He described the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 as an ideal example of how sport can be harnessed to foster unity, identity, and national pride.

“Sport is a tool for unity and transformation, especially for our young people. Rugby has proven that it can inspire, uplift, and bring Ugandans together, regardless of background. This tournament belongs to all of us.”

He commended the Uganda Rugby Union for its consistent delivery and vision, praising the Union’s leadership for positioning Uganda on the continental rugby map.

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, particularly through logistical and institutional support.

This includes security arrangements, venue readiness, medical preparedness, and inter-agency coordination throughout the tournament period.

“Government will continue to provide the necessary support from infrastructure to institutional coordination to make sure this event runs smoothly and reflects the standard Uganda is capable of.”

Hon. Ogwang called on all stakeholders from the private sector and media to the general public—to rally behind the Rugby Cranes and make the tournament a national celebration.

He praised the involvement of commercial partners such as MTN MoMo, Nile Special, RockBoom, and NBS Sport for standing boldly behind rugby and helping to deliver what promises to be one of the most exciting sporting events in Uganda this year.

“To our partners: thank you. Your commitment is what gives tournaments like this life. We encourage more Ugandan brands to join the movement and invest in our sports sector.”

Notably, the Minister hailed the upcoming presence of the Webb Ellis Trophy, rugby’s most iconic symbol, at the Mandela National Stadium during the tournament as a landmark moment for the country.

“Uganda hosting the Webb Ellis Trophy is not just ceremonial. It signifies how far we’ve come and how much the world is beginning to notice us. It is a symbol of aspiration, and I urge fans to come see it and believe in what is possible.”

Hon. Ogwang closed his remarks with a call to action for all Ugandans to embrace the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 as more than a tournament, but as a national moment of pride and opportunity.

“Let us fill Namboole. Let us back the Rugby Cranes. And let us show Africa that Uganda is ready—not just to host, but to lead.”

Tickets for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 are now available via the MTN MoMo App and at www.momoticketing.com.

Organised by Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with Uganda Rugby Union. The 2025 tournament features Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco from July 8 to July 19. All matches will be available for streaming on Rugby Pass TV, Rugby Africa Facebook and the official broadcasting partner, NBS Sport (https://nbssport.co.ug).