Uganda will host the 17th Annual General Meeting of Rugby Africa on Friday, February 27, bringing together leaders from 32 national unions for a three-day gathering expected to shape the future of the sport across the continent.
The meeting, organised in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and the Uganda Rugby Union, will cover constitutional reforms, executive elections, and strategic planning.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, who also sits on the World Rugby Executive Board, will lead the assembly alongside Vice President Nasser Bougja, General Manager Maha Zaoui, and senior World Rugby officials including Clare Barrell and Coralie Van Den Berg. Uganda Rugby Union President Godwin Kayangwe will also be in attendance.
“This year’s meeting is about modernising our structures and strengthening the foundations of African rugby. Good governance is not optional; it is essential,” Mensah said, highlighting proposed amendments to Rugby Africa’s Constitution that aim to improve governance, gender inclusion, and accountability.
Delegates will also vote for key positions within the Rugby Africa Executive Committee, including Treasurer and an additional committee member seat. The AGM will reinforce priorities such as player welfare, gender equity, grassroots development, and long-term sustainability.
Africa’s young population and growing interest in rugby make the reforms timely, with emerging unions across West, East, and Southern Africa expanding domestic capacity. South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup victory illustrates the continent’s competitive potential, while countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia continue to show strong growth.
The AGM will conclude with a press conference at Kabira Country Club, where outcomes and decisions will be shared publicly. Uganda has previously hosted the 2024 and 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, cementing its role as a key venue for continental rugby.
“Hosting this AGM marks a pivotal milestone in Uganda’s rugby journey,” Kayangwe said. “It unites African leaders to shape the sport’s future while accelerating domestic development, talent nurturing, and infrastructure growth.”
Mensah added that the reforms will ensure Africa stands on equal footing globally, building structures that allow sustainable growth and opportunities for all 40 Rugby Africa member unions.
