Uganda’s Women’s Rugby Premiership is battling a crippling financial crisis with clubs desperately short of funds for matchday operations.
This could lead to the potential collapse of this Saturday’s games—a particularly disheartening situation on Women’s Day.
Despite their dominance in the league, defending champions Black Pearls are among the teams grappling with financial difficulties following the league’s expansion from seven to twelve teams.
The addition of upcountry clubs from Mbale and Jinja has significantly increased travel costs, placing an extra burden on already strained budgets.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Black Pearls head coach Hellen Koyokoyo Buteme revealed that while the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) provided UGX 4 million earlier this year, no further financial assistance has been forthcoming.
“We are doing everything possible to honor our fixtures, but without financial backing, it is becoming increasingly difficult,” Buteme stated.
The crisis has also affected player development, with the club’s U-17 program facing setbacks.
Buteme highlighted the growing challenges in nurturing the next generation of female rugby players, warning that their efforts could stall if the financial strain continues.
In response, Ugandan rugby fans have launched a fundraising campaign, calling on well-wishers to help cover essential matchday expenses such as travel, player transport refunds, meals, medical kits, physios, ambulance services, and pitch preparation.
The goal is to raise UGX 5,207,000 to support the struggling teams.
How to Contribute
MTN Uganda
- Joseph Waninda – 0760220866
- Reason: “Women’s Rugby”
Airtel Uganda
- Lydia Letio – 0706936799
- Reason: Gift/Donations
