President Yoweri Museveni on Monday officially received the Webb Ellis Cup at State House Entebbe, marking a symbolic moment for Uganda as it hosts the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The iconic trophy, awarded to the winners of the Men’s Rugby World Cup, is visiting Uganda for the first time as part of its tour ahead of the continental tournament kicking off on Tuesday at Mandela National Stadium.
Welcoming the Rugby Africa delegation led by President Herbert Mensah, Museveni praised the role of rugby in promoting fitness, teamwork, and national unity. In a post shared on his official X account shortly after the visit, Museveni said:
“Rugby is vigorous and excellent for fitness, but more importantly, it builds teamwork. You cannot succeed on individual brilliance alone. That is the spirit our country needs—unity and shared purpose.”
The President also acknowledged the positive feedback he received from the delegation about Uganda’s sports infrastructure, but was quick to note that the journey is just beginning.
“I was also surprised to hear praise for our sports infrastructure. We are just getting started and will make it better. What we first built was peace. Uganda had collapsed, it was a failed state. Everything else now stands on that foundation of peace,” he said.
Museveni thanked Rugby Africa for including Uganda in the historic trophy tour and wished participating teams a successful tournament and enjoyable stay in the country.
The Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as the final African qualifier for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, kicks off on Tuesday, July 8. Uganda faces Kenya in the headline match of the opening day.
