The stage is set for the Guinness Kigezi High Altitude 7’s Rugby Tournament, scheduled for June 29, 2024, at Kabale Stadium. This announcement was made today at a press conference held at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
The annual tournament, organized by Rams Rugby Football Club in collaboration with Kigezi Silverbacks RFC and Kigezi Queens, is sponsored by Guinness.
This year’s event will feature 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams, including prominent clubs such as Kobs, Rhinos, Warriors, Rams, Jinja Hippos, Kigezi Silverbacks, Tooro Lions, Naguru Home Boys, Kigezi Queens, Jaguars, and Lady Swans.
Additionally, four teams from Rwanda, namely the Lions De Fer, 1000 Hills, Rwamagana Hippos (Women), and Kamonyi Panthers (Women), will participate.
The tournament promises to be a thrilling display of Rugby 7s, with top teams from the region competing for supremacy, prize money, and trophies.
At the press briefing, Matilda Babuleka, the Marketing Manager for Beer, emphasized Guinness’s commitment to growing rugby in Uganda.
“Guinness is committed to growing rugby in Uganda as seen through our sponsorships and partnerships over the years. We have sponsored several tournaments like the Guinness Sevens and extended support to the National Sevens team, the Rugby Cranes. We are now deepening our support to benefit the actual stakeholders of the game; that’s why we are going to the grassroots, in the regions and towns to support the sport,” Babuleka stated.
Babuleka added, “We want to not only shine a light on the new and upcoming talent in the sport but also, we want to partner with them to grow their tournaments so as to lay a firm foundation for the generations of rugby players to come, which is what ‘Black Shines Brightest’ is about.”
Roy Ronald Tumwizere, the Guinness Uganda Brand Manager, highlighted the alignment of the sponsorship with the brand’s values.
“Sponsoring the Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s Tournament aligns with our mission to support community initiatives and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. Rugby embodies resilience, teamwork, excellence and comradery — values that resonate deeply with the Guinness brand. We are proud to be a part of an event that brings together diverse teams and fans from across the region,” he said.
The tournament has a rich history of competitive matches and has become a highlight in the regional rugby calendar. The first edition in June 2018 was won by the Gladiators.
The second edition saw Uganda Martyrs University Nkonzi claim victory after a hard-fought final against Rams RFC. The 2021 edition, dubbed Guinness 7s, featured top teams and was won by the Stanbic Black Pirates in a breathtaking final against Kobs. Last year’s event saw Rams RFC triumph over 1000 Hills RFC from Kigali, Rwanda.
