Buganda’s Prime Minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, placed health and unity at the heart of this year’s Kabaka Coronation Rugby 7s Cup launch, calling on men to take charge in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at Bulange Mengo during the official launch of the 2025 edition, Mayiga praised the Uganda Rugby Union for using sport as a platform to drive powerful messages beyond the pitch.
“As a kingdom, we place great importance on promoting sports. Not only to nurture talent, but also to foster unity, and improve the health of our people,” Mayiga said, highlighting the deepening partnership between the Buganda Kingdom and the Uganda Rugby Union.
This year’s tournament is themed around HIV/AIDS awareness, with a strong focus on male responsibility in protecting women from infection. It ties directly to the Kingdom’s ongoing #TUBEEREBALAMU campaign, initiated by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II in October 2024.
“You have to be healthy to participate in the game. HIV/AIDS is very dangerous. It is us, the men, who must lead in guarding against it. I’m happy that Uganda Rugby Union has organised the 7’s Cup. I am sure we are all going to enjoy this series,” Mayiga added.
The tournament will kick off the 2025 Nile Special Uganda 7s series this weekend (August 2-3) at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, with 16 men’s and 8 women’s teams set to compete in the high-octane opening circuit.
Mayiga’s remarks were echoed by Prince David Wasajja, a trustee of the Uganda Rugby Union, who underlined the role of sport in building stronger communities and hinted at possible land support from the Kingdom to aid rugby’s growth.
