Heathens, the most decorated rugby club in Uganda, have welcomed new leadership for the next two years.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Kyadondo Rugby Club, players and paid-up members of the Heathens Rugby Club voted in Desire Derekford Mugumisa as chairman to lead the revamp of the club after a trophyless 2025.
While the rest of the Executive Committee members were ushered in unopposed, the chairmanship had to go down to the ballot. Daniel Rweyora and Mugumisa offered themselves for leadership, both bearing a clear vision for the club, but Mugumisa emerged winner.
“My priorities are centered on player welfare, ensuring that every Heathen is supported during and beyond their playing days. Heathens has always stood apart as a club that looks after its own—through jobs, internships, and opportunities that allow players to stand on their own after rugby. I intend to reinforce and formalize this proud tradition,” noted Rweyora before the election.
Of the 169 eligible voters, only 109 voted. The count was close, at one point both candidates standing at 25 votes a piece, but the margin widened after that, with 15 unanswered votes going Mugumisa’s way. The final outcome was a 66 to 43 victory for Mugumisa, who immediately took over from Asha Kalanzi as Chairperson.
“Over the next two years, we’ll keep Heathens winning and run the club with clear standards, proper support for the technical team and players, and higher income beyond gate through partnerships and membership,” noted Mugumisa after his victory.
At the center of both candidates’ manifestos was player welfare, a touch point that Mugumisa has pledged to address.
“We shall also think bigger about rugby while keeping its foundations firm, because that is how the game grows in value and, in time, players earn what they truly deserve,” Mugumisa remarked.
During the AOB session, members moved a motion to seek the services of an independent audit firm to do a forensic audit of the club’s books in the coming year. In the same session, club legend and forwards coach, Alex Mubiru, called for a constitutional review.
Full Committee
- Chairperson – Desire Derekford Mugumisa
- Secretary- Emmanuel Muhangi
- Treasurer – Martin Namutso
- Media, Commercial and Advertising – Lucy Ssuubi
- Fans’ Representative- Edward Kiwanuka