The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has conducted a site visit to Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, the planned venue for the Uganda legs of the Enterprise Cup.
For the fans and journalists, this is a great development, as they get a 2-in-1 package of matches, but for the clubs and players, this leaves a lot to be desired, as they have to adjust to the new setting.
This shall not be the first time rugby is played at Wankulukuku. In 2022, the Uganda Lady Cranes hosted Kenya and Zambia at this venue, while a few local Rugby 7s tournaments have been played there as well.
Gate Collection
Gate Collection is one of the avenues through which clubs make some ka money. Stripping hosting rights deprives clubs of entrance fees to their facilities from the fans, hence halting an income stream.
It is no secret that URU has invested heavily to make Uganda’s involvement in the Enterprise Cup a reality. Since this is a Union-sanctioned event, they are in charge of organisation, set up and medical at the venue. Aside from a few subsidies to the clubs, revenue sharing would go a long way in appreciating the clubs’ participation.
Home Advantage
Finishing as finalists in the Uganda Cup granted Pirates and Heathens the right to play at home. A Pirate at Kings Park or a Heathen at Kyadondo isn’t the same player at Wankulukuku. Whether this is superstitious or an actual factor remains to be seen on Saturday, March 21 in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals.
Things like kicking for goal, touch finders, or even attacking kicks, such as the 50-22 or a box kick, occur naturally to players like Aaron Ofoyrwoth or William Nkore when they are playing in their “natural habitat”. Not to make excuses, all 4 sets of players shall be playing at a new venue, so the game is there for anyone to conquer.
After Party
The After Party is a big aspect of the rugby experience. History has shown that fans tend to leave immediately after the games when they are watching at an unfamiliar venue. The Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, proved to be an exception during the Rugby Africa Cup in 2024 and 2025, and we hope Wankulukuku pulls off the same.
Regardless of the above factors, the competition has to start somewhere, and many parties have made concessions for a return to the Enterprise Cup.
Enough of the whining, let’s get cheering.