Uganda’s University 7s side has finished as 1st runners-up at the FISU World University 7s in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
The Ugandans began their campaign against Mexico, emerging 14-5 winners thanks to brilliant work from Victoria University’s Calvin Gizamba with the opening try of the day.
In Uganda’s second game, Makerere University’s Ryan Thierry Jjuuko had his turn to shine, scoring two decisive tries.
First, Jjuuko’s signature dummy switch caught the Japanese defence off guard for Uganda’s first try. Next, Uganda Christian University’s Allan Karuhanga combined with Jjuuko, whose lethal step off the right foot cleared the path to score under the posts. That 14-7 win propelled Uganda to the top of the Pool and into the semifinal against Argentina.
On the third and final day of the FISU University 7s, Karuhanga showed absolute class as he broke the line and scored the opening try against Argentina, but unfortunately Jones Kamiza was unable to convert. Up next, ISBAT University’s Darren Aine announced himself to the tournament with a try in the corner on his first appearance with his first touch of the ball.
The momentum then shifted to the Argentines as they proved to be too strong with their carries. After 2 converted tries for Argentina, and with the score at 14-10 for the South Americans, all hope seemed lost for the East Africans. With time well spent, the Ugandans stayed patient, and it paid off despite going down to 6 men with Victoria University’s Daniel Kateregga in the sin bin for the rest of the game. Up stepped Karuhanga once again to get that all-important try to send Uganda to the final.
Unfortunately for Uganda, South Africa was a class apart in the final despite the opening try from Victoria University’s Stuart Mwayi. In the end, Uganda did better than their 6th-place finish in 2018, winning silver in Stellenbosch after that 34-7 loss in the final.