By Michael Ainomugisha
Three Uganda Christian University (UCU) rugby players from the UCU Shepherds have earned places in Uganda’s final 12-man squad for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens in South Africa.
Playmaker Jones Kamiza, forward Allan Karuhanga and winger Mark Lagat are among the players selected to represent Uganda at the tournament, scheduled for September 2 to 7 at the Coetzenburg campus in Stellenbosch.
The trio will leave behind familiar colours in Mukono to wear the national jersey as Uganda returns to the global university stage for the first time since 2018.
The Rugby Sevens team will be led by UCU Shepherds head coach Leonard Lubambula alongside Kevin Makmot. The coaching pair will seek a stronger finish than Uganda’s sixth-place finish at the 2018 edition.
Samuel Lukaire, the Association of Uganda University Sports Vice President and UCU Head of Sports, said Uganda’s return to the championship marks an important step for university sport in the country.
“Uganda’s return to the FISU World University Championship is a significant milestone for university sport in the country. It demonstrates the growing strength of our university athletes and the important role universities play in identifying, nurturing and preparing talent for international competition,” Lukaire said.
He added that the championship provides a pathway between university sport and national representation.
“We believe that university sport should serve as a strong pathway for developing athletes who can eventually represent Uganda at the continental and global levels.”
Lukaire said UCU’s representation in the national squad reflects the university’s investment in athletes, coaching and sports development.
“Having three UCU Shepherds selected for the national team, together with their head coach, Leonard Lubambula, is a strong reflection of the quality of our athletes, coaching and sports development structures,” he said.
“It is also a source of great pride for UCU and demonstrates that investment in university sport can produce athletes and coaches capable of competing on the international stage.”
Uganda faces a demanding test in Stellenbosch, where it will come up against Argentina, Australia, France and hosts, South Africa.
The competition begins with group-stage action on September 4.
