The Kyabazinga 7s has grown from strength to strength as a competition, brand and partnership between the Busoga Kingdom and rugby in eastern Uganda.
With a fantastic first edition held in 2022 at the Bugembe Stadium, it was only right that the Kyabazinga 7s became a mainstay on the National 7s Series calendar.
Strategically held around September, the competition coincides with the Coronation celebrations of the Kyabazinga of Busoga.
This year, the Kyabazinga 7s are the first activity to open up the festive season in the proud eastern Uganda Kingdom of Busoga.
“Our partnership with the Kingdom is one in a million. We receive guidance and financial support, and we also have the liberty to get exposure to their partners. We are happy to join the kingdom in the Coronation celebrations through rugby,” proudly noted Simon Peter Waisswa, chairman of Walukuba Rugby.
For the home team, anything less than a trophy would be an underperformance, according to Waisswa.
“The Kyabazinga 7s was our top target coming into the National 7s Series. We told the boys that, ‘if we are to win any circuit, let it be our home circuit, let us defend our home turf, but luckily enough, we won the Coronation 7s.”
Last year, the Heathens won the Kyabazinga 7s with a sudden-death try after they levelled matters late in the second half, to deny the Walukuba Barbarians a chance at silverware in 2024
“Our boys are up to the task. Last year, we almost won against the Heathens, but almost doesn’t count. This year, the boys are really up there; they are thirsty, they are hungry to win the Kyabazinga 7s,” added Waisswa.
Walukuba hope to join the Hippos, Black Pirates and the Heathens as winners of the prestigious Kyabazinga 7s title in the National 7s Series.