Heathens signing David Wako from the Jinja Hippos may be the steal of the transfer market so far.
Wako began his rugby journey with the Hippos in 2013 and has been a loyal servant ever since. He gained promotion to the National 15s in 2017, was part of that National 7s winning side in 2022, and guided the Hippos to a final finish in the 2025 15s league.
“After more than a decade, 180+ games across the Uganda Cup and the League, and a lifetime of memories, the time has come for me to say goodbye as I move on,” Wako posted on his official X account.
The mass exodus of players from the Jinja Hippos is only expected to continue during this transfer window. Yasin Waiswa was the first to be confirmed as an exit, and Wako now follows him.
Moving to the more traditional and stable teams in the top flight is the logical thing to do at the moment when Hippos is facing a division and infighting, while the other option is to start from the bottom with Storm Rugby.
How does Wako improve Heathens?
In the previous season, the Heathens’ attack had gone bland and their ball carrying had been blunt. Known for a physical game and patient phase play marshalled by scrumhalves like Nicholas Kato and Gama Faisal, that tactic seemed to be a fruitless endeavour this season, as the forwards pack simply couldn’t break defences.
With Wako, Heathens once again pose a strong ball-carrying threat in attack. He runs strong lines and isn’t afraid to drop the shoulder. Coupled with a bit of wheels he’s still got on him, he’s definitely going to be one to break lines.
In the set piece, Wako has been part of that formidable Jinja Hippos scrum from the 2025 season. He comes in as a Number 8 who has also recently had a shot at prop. He is undeniably an upgrade in both positions, especially as an Eighthman, since Michael Wokorach is now retired, Scott Oluoch is way over the hill, and the young Vani Adebua hasn’t made a strong case for himself.