The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) held a pivotal Special General Meeting (SGM) at the Copper Chimney, culminating in the approval of a sweeping review of its governing constitution. The new document, a robust 60-page framework, marks a decisive shift from the previous 18-page version and is designed to modernize the Union’s structure, enhance representation, and align with both the National Sports Act and World Rugby regulations.
The meeting, which saw robust and engaged debate, resolved key clauses that will shape the future of the sport. According to URU CEO, Isaac Lutwama, the most debated topic was the eligibility of Executive Committee members to stand for office. “The outgoing constitution allowed for members to pick up experience by serving across different positions to the maximum of two term limits before moving to another,” Lutwama explained. “Members chose to maintain this because the experience gotten in that time is valuable”
He also highlighted a significant step forward for diversity, noting, “There was also the debate on representation and inclusion of female members on the board. The Union had already planned for this by having a co-opted member, but now it has been changed to two voted members to represent the women’s clubs.”
A central pillar of the reformed constitution is a fundamental restructuring of the Executive Committee. The new hierarchy introduces dedicated positions for Regional Representatives and an Officials’ Representative, ensuring diverse voices from across the nation are heard. Further changes include elevating associate members.
“Schools, referees, the medical society, all these associate members that contribute to the Union have now been given a chance to become full members, alongside adopting regional associations as members,” the CEO added. The heritage of the union is also preserved through the ascension of the Vice Presidents to the roles of 1st and 2nd Vice President as opposed to what was there previously which was Vice-president commercial and vice president technical.
The URU President, Godwin Kayangwe, emphasized that the core of the new constitution is squarely focused on benefiting member clubs, with incentives like an extra vote for fielding an age-grade team.
Concluding the process, CEO Isaac Lutwama expressed his gratitude, stating, “All in all, it has been a robust process. The original review started about two years ago in 2023. I am grateful to the members for their dedication. Today was smooth because clubs were very keen to take part and had already submitted their proposals.”
With all debates resolved, the document now moves to the legal team for final edits. The Union anticipates the new constitution will be formally registered and submitted to the National Council of Sports (NCS) within the month, setting a strong foundation for the strategic growth of Ugandan rugby.
