Byron Oketayot’s journey in Ugandan rugby is a story of steady rise, national pride, and leadership. Born and raised in Gulu, Northern Uganda, Oketayot began playing rugby while at Gulu High School in 2012, setting the foundation for a career that would later see him represent his country on multiple prestigious stages.
In 2013, he joined Gulu Elephants Rugby Club, where he quickly made his mark. His breakout came in 2016 when he helped the club win the Nationwide Championship, a landmark victory that shone a spotlight on northern Uganda’s emerging rugby talent.
Oketayot’s national team journey began even earlier. In 2014, he earned a place on Uganda’s U-19 national team and clinched gold at the Africa Youth Championship. His rise continued in 2016, when he debuted for the senior national team in the 15s format, followed shortly by a call-up to the national 7s side in the same year.
The following years solidified Oketayot’s role as a core member of Uganda’s rugby renaissance. He won gold at the 2017 Africa Rugby 7s Cup and was part of the squad that lifted the East Africa 7s title in 2018. That same year, he competed in the World Rugby Sevens Series, representing Uganda on the global stage.
At the club level, his move to Kampala saw him play for Rhinos Rugby Club before joining Kobs Rugby Club, one of Uganda’s most decorated sides. In 2021, Oketayot contributed to Kobs’ triumph in the Uganda Rugby Premiership and their capture of the national 7s title.
Oketayot’s international success continued in 2023 with victories in the Victoria Cup and the Tunisia 15s test series. His leadership qualities were formally recognised in November 2024 when he was appointed captain of the Uganda Rugby Cranes XVs, succeeding Ivan Magomu.
In addition to his stints with Gulu Elephants, Rhinos, and Kobs, Oketayot has also played professionally for Harlequins Rugby Club in Pretoria, South Africa.
From grassroots rugby in Gulu to captaining the national XVs side, Byron Oketayot’s career reflects commitment, resilience, and the growing reach of rugby across Uganda.
