Just when things have started to look good for the Walukuba Barbarians, they have been hit by an exodus of players in crucial positions.
In the years gone by, players like Alex Aturinda, Pool Kalungi and John Paul Atim have called Walukuba home but exited and left behind a core group of young, talented lads.
This bunch, which includes Shakim Ssembusi, Gift Wokorach and Ivan Bulima, has come of age in the 7s game, winning the 2025 National 7s.
Despite that success, the Barbarians are still far from polished in the 15s game. One could argue that Ssembusi and Edward Emiemu locking down places in the Rugby Cranes 15s set up is a sign of 15s success, and they would be right. However, as a club, this win hasn’t been reflected in the domestic leagues.
The first Kenyan to leave the Barbarians was U20 international, Iddo Kuta. Kuta was a powerhouse for Walukuba in the number 8 position, but fell out with the hierarchy amidst rumours of a looming transfer to the Victoria Sharks.
Kuta has since transferred to the South Coast Pirates, via Kenya Harlequins. At the Diani-based club, Kuta joins Alphonse Otieno and Farid Musa, who are both National 7s champions, in the second tier of Kenya Rugby.
With the departure of frontrow Nick Tom Opiyo to Kabras Sugar RFC, that effectively marks the end of a Kenyan era at Walukuba.
The Barbarians are left in dire need of reinforcement in the forwards after losing the above players, but Coach Leo Lubambula has previously intimated to us that they are looking at “a strong preseason” and recruiting “from within and outside Uganda.”
With links to Alphonse Openy from the Gulu City Falcons and more players from similar second-tier sides, as well as local-grown talent within the Walukuba Trojans ranks, it remains to be seen whether National 7s champions shall once again turn to the 254 for reinforcement.