A delegation from the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) met with officials from the South African High Commission in Kampala to discuss the ongoing visa challenges faced by Ugandan rugby teams traveling to South Africa.
The URU team, led by Secretary General Peter Odong, Treasurer Kennedy Mulindwa, CEO Isaac Lutwama, and Blue Bulls Rugby Union Program Coordinator Alex Mubiru, held productive discussions with Counsellor Solly Sebola and First Secretary Mr. Gurshen Booysen.
The meeting came after seven members of the national Rugby Cranes 7s team were denied visas to participate in the inaugural Willem Strauss International Rugby 7’s Tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The denial, citing a previous overstay incident from the 2023 World Challenger Series, meant that Uganda was able to send only eight members to South Africa to participate in the tournament.
The primary focus of the meeting was to address the visa issues that have hindered the travel of Ugandan rugby teams to South Africa for various tournaments and training camps.
The URU delegation expressed their hope for improved visa processes and greater facilitation for Ugandan rugby players and officials.
In addition to the visa discussions, the URU team also explored opportunities for future partnerships between Uganda and South Africa in the realm of rugby.
Both parties discussed the potential for collaboration on player development, coaching exchanges, and joint tournaments.
