Next month, July, rugby fever returns to Kampala as the Rugby Africa Cup takes centre stage at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
With eight top-tier African nations battling for a direct 2027 Rugby World Cup berth from July 8th-20th, the tournament promises extraordinary sporting spectacle.
Ordinary tickets are priced at UGX 30,000 per full day—covering four high-stakes matches—which at first glance has prompted debate. But here’s why that fee is completely justified.
Exceptional value for fans
UGX 30,000 buys access to four consecutive rugby matches, each featuring national teams contending for continental supremacy. Compared to isolated football or concert tickets, this is a high-value bundle. It works out to just UGX 7,500 per match, providing an affordable way to enjoy a full day of world-class rugby—an opportunity unmatched in local sporting events
Infrastructure and logistics costs
Hosting a pan-African event requires meticulous planning and funding. This is the second consecutive year Kampala holds the Cup and it’s sparking significant upgrades—from stadium maintenance and security to digital ticketing and crowd control.
These improvements ensure modern, cashless payment via MTN MoMo and streamline spectator flow. Investments in infrastructure, technology, broadcasting set‑up, and enhanced fan facilities aren’t cheap—but they’re vital to delivering a top-tier experience .
Supporting grassroots and elite rugby
The Uganda Rugby Union has historically operated with tight budgets. Even domestic matches offer scant player and referee remuneration—some just ~UGX 85,000 total per day for officials .
Hosting this Cup elevates rugby’s profile, attracting sponsors like MTN MoMo, Rockboom Uganda, Nile Special and pushing more funds into referee training, youth programs, and team preparations.
With a World Cup qualification on the line, stakes are high—but so is the underlying impact: every ticket contributes to strengthening the entire Ugandan rugby ecosystem.
Boosting the national economy
A sporting tournament of this calibre brings benefits beyond the pitch. Fans—both Ugandan and regional—spend on hotels, transport, food, souvenirs, boosting Kampala’s hospitality and tourism sectors . Local vendors and service providers reap the rewards. That 30K isn’t just a ticket—it’s an investment in the livelihoods of many, echoing far beyond the stadium stands.
Quality entertainment, unforgettable memories
Let’s be honest: how many times does Kampala host such a continent-wide rugby showcase? For sports fans, it’s a golden opportunity.
The atmosphere promises to be electric, with nail‑biting playoffs, and cheers echoing in an upgraded stadium designed for comfort and spectacle.
The figure for a full day at the Rugby Africa Cup is fair, modest, and essential. It supports infrastructure, elevates Ugandan rugby, empowers local economies, and delivers unforgettable entertainment.
