The stage is set for a thrilling display of rugby sevens as the prestigious Safari 7s tournament kicks off today at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
Marking a significant shift in strategy, Uganda has deployed its squads across all categories, signaling a serious intent to challenge for top honours from October 10th to 12th. 
Leading the charge are the senior national teams. The Rugby Cranes 7s will be captained by their most experienced campaigner, Karim Arinaitwe. The squad is a powerful blend of a few seasoned veterans and exciting new talent emerging from a competitive domestic series.
Adding to the Ugandan presence, the nation will also be represented by its future stars. The Uganda (U17) teams Boys and Girls teams with the Girls coached by Norah Traton Nyangoma with future promising talents like Gladys Atim and Irene Nasinja. On the men’s youth side, the Junior Rugby Cranes, under Coach Sky Peter Ochol, boast a roster including Tyrone James Ssebufu and Timothy Mawanda. These junior sides offer a glimpse into the robust pipeline of talent securing the future of Ugandan rugby. The U17 Boys started their campaign with an unbeaten run in the group stages defeating Western region 07:12, Coast 07:31, and Nyanza 00:19. The U17 Girls lost only a single game in their fixture against a Central Region 24:07, and moving on to win the rest of the matches.
The senior men’s selection reflects the success of the recent National 7s series, with several players from the champion Walukuba Barbarians club earning call-ups. Ivan Bulima, whose performances were instrumental in his club’s title win, is set to make his national sevens debut. He links up with clubmate Shakim Ssembusi and the experienced Gift Wokorach, reuniting a devastatingly effective attacking trio.
The squad is further bolstered by the strategic experience of players like Allan Olango and Roy Kizito. Their composure will be vital in a highly competitive men’s pool that includes the Shogun, Nyati and KCB Rugby.
On the women’s side, the Uganda Lady Cranes are equally determined to challenge for honors. Captained by Agnes Nakuya, the 12-woman squad blends experience and youth, featuring players like Grace Nabaggala, Comfort Anganyika, Juliet Nandawula among others. Their best finish remains a historic Cup victory in 2023, a feat they will be eager to repeat.
The tournament will see Uganda’s teams face stiff competition from a diverse field, including women’s defending champions Costa Blanca Barbarians, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia, as well as Belgium.
With Uganda deploying its top-tier talent across both genders, the nation’s rugby fans have genuine reason for optimism. The 2025 Safari 7s presents a perfect platform for the Rugby Cranes and Lady Cranes to showcase their growth and compete fiercely for the Robin Cahill Trophy on a continental stage.
Game day 1 fixtures:
