David GOMBE
Today, a delegation from Nile Breweries, led by Head of Marketing Wangechi Gitahi, and the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), led by CEO Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga, visited the South African High Commission in Kampala ahead of two landmark rugby events the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 and the Webb Ellis Cup Tour.
The delegation was warmly received by Mr. Solly Sebola, the Chargé d’Affaires (acting Head of Mission) at the South African High Commission in Uganda and his team. The visit highlighted the close ties between Uganda and South Africa in the world of rugby, especially as Uganda prepares to host both the continental tournament and the prestigious Web Ellis Cup.
Nile Breweries, through its flagship brand Nile Special, has long been the biggest supporter of Ugandan rugby and once again is standing firmly behind the Uganda Rugby Union and the Rugby Cranes as they embark on this crucial journey.
The Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which will be held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, also doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. South Africa, who are the current holders of the Webb Ellis Cup after their victory in France in 2023, have already secured their spot at the next World Cup.
The tournament will take place from July 8 to July 20, 2025 and will feature eight top African rugby nations battling for continental glory. The participating nations include Zimbabwe (2024 champions), Uganda (hosts), Namibia, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco (who qualified via the 2025 North Africa Repechage). The competition will follow a knockout format, starting at the quarterfinal stage.
Uganda, 2007 champions, will kick off their campaign against regional rivals Kenya. The winner of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the runner-up will proceed to a repechage match against runners-up from Asia also to be hosted in Uganda for a chance to reach the final global repechage and claim the last qualification spot.
Speaking during the visit, URU CEO Isaac Lutwama said, “Working closely with the South African High Commission is so important because South Africa are not only the reigning Rugby World Cup champions but also a huge inspiration to us. The Webb Ellis Cup’s presence here will motivate our players and fans as we fight for our place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup alongside them. We are thankful to Nile Special for their continued support and belief in our dream. Together, we want to show that Ugandan rugby can reach the world stage.”
Echoing his message, Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing at Nile Breweries, said, “Nile Special has always been the number one fan of Ugandan Rugby, and this visit means a lot to our journey of helping our teams achieve big dreams. We know how important it is for our players to see that South Africa, the current holders of the Webb Ellis Cup, are backing this journey too. The Rugby Africa Cup is our chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and stand with the best. We believe in the players, the fans, and the gold spirit that brings us together every match day.”
The Chargé d’Affaires at the South African High Commission in Uganda, Mr. Solly Sebola welcomed the teams and partners, reaffirming his country’s pride in sharing this historic moment with Uganda. “We are honoured to host this delegation as Uganda prepares to host this very important Rugby tournament. South Africa is proud to hold the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023. Bringing the Cup here gives hope and inspiration to everyone who loves rugby. We wish Uganda the best in the Rugby Africa Cup, and we hope to see them in Australia in 2027 standing beside South Africa as Africa’s representatives.”
With the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 bringing together top African teams, the support of partners like Nile Special is helping to grow the game at every level. Key partners including Rockboom, MTN MoMo as the official ticketing partner, NBS Sport as the broadcast partner, Uganda Tourism Board, CFAO Uganda, Uganda Airlines, Vivo Energy, and Speke Resort are all on board to make the tournament a success.
As the Webb Ellis Cup goes on tour in Uganda, fans will have the rare chance to celebrate rugby’s highest prize, while rallying behind the national team in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
