Uganda’s rise as a continental rugby powerhouse has received yet another boost with the arrival of Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah.
The Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah arrived in the country in the wee hours of Monday morning and was received by the Uganda Rugby Union President Godwin Kayangwe.
The Ghanaian who is in Uganda for a three-day strategic visit was also accorded a guided tour of the Next Park by Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa. His visit comes ahead of Uganda hosting Africa Rugby in July this year.
“It is great to be here in Uganda. Uganda has become one of my favorite places. We are trying to grow a sport, in my view the greatest sport on the earth and we need stakeholders who really get it,” noted Mensha.
The Ghanaian, who is the company of Coralie Van Den Berge, the World Rugby regional partnership manager, Africa visited the Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare as his opening task of the first day.
“Rugby is one of the most exemplary federations and hosting the Rugby Africa president shows the confidence that the continental body has in the rugby union,” said Dr. Donald Rukare, the UOC President.
“I am very proud of the way Uganda rugby treats athletes in a gender equal manner. This is not true of all federations in Africa and all the world,” observed Coralie Den, the regional partnership manager of world rugby in Africa.
From the UOC in Lugogo, Mensah made a strategic visit to Next Media Park, the home of Uganda’s leading sports broadcaster, NBS Sport.
The visit to the Next Media Park goes beyond a courtesy call to a high-stakes engagement aimed at unlocking key opportunities for the sport in Uganda.
“We are very excited as Next Media to host the most powerful man in African rugby. He paid a visit to start the discussion of the biggest African tournaments set to come,” noted Andrew Kabuura, the NBS Sport Head of Broadcast.
With the country preparing to host the prestigious 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, the Uganda Rugby Union is pushing for more Government and corporate investment to ensure a world-class tournament.
“The Rugby Africa President is here to follow up on our performance last year, how prepared we are this year and how we can pull it off in a much better way and also the development of the game,” revealed Edwin Kayangwe, the Uganda Rugby Union President.
Uganda’s success in hosting the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup was commendable and the 2025 promises to be bigger.
“Last year’s tournament was extraordinary and special because of the hospitality that was exceptional and hence expect the best this year,” added Mensah.
Through its dedicated sports channel, NBS Sport, Next Media has played a pivotal role in making rugby accessible to millions of viewers through broadcast of live rugby games, creating engaging fan-centric platforms, and attracting potential investors.
From digital engagement on AfroMobile to in-depth analysis and strategic partnerships to attract sponsors, NBS Sport has become a key driver in the sport’s commercialization.
With teams and fans from across the continent expected in Uganda for the 2025 edition, the Rugby Africa Cup presents a unique economic opportunity to Uganda.
