Media Advisory: Press Conference – 17th Rugby Africa Annual General Meeting in Kampala
The press conference will take place in Kampala, Uganda on Friday, 27 February 2026 at 19:00 EAT, immediately following the conclusion of the Assembly. Media must apply for accreditation by Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 10:00 AM EAT via the link below.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa and Executive Board Member of World Rugby, will address members of the media following the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Rugby Africa on Friday, 27 February 2026 in Kampala, Uganda.
The decisions taken at this Assembly are expected to shape the next phase of growth, accountability and institutional development across the continent.
The AGM represents Rugby Africa’s highest decision-making forum. The outcomes of this Assembly will directly influence leadership structures, gender representation requirements, governance standards and long-term strategic investment priorities for rugby across 40 member unions.
At the centre of discussions are proposed amendments to Rugby Africa’s Constitution, the organisation’s supreme governing document, which defines how leaders are elected, how accountability is upheld and how strategic direction is determined. Any amendments adopted will mark a significant structural shift in the governance of rugby in Africa.
To apply for accreditation: Click Here
To access official press release: Click Here
Event Details
Event: Press Conference – 17th Rugby Africa Annual General Meeting
Date: Friday, 27 February 2026
Time: 19:00 EAT (immediately following conclusion of the Assembly)
Venue: Kabira Country Club, Kampala, Uganda
Speakers Include:
- Herbert Mensah, President, Rugby Africa & Executive Board Member, World Rugby
- Nasser Bougja, Vice President, Rugby Africa
- Clare Barrell, Director of International Relations, Investment & Member Services, World Rugby
- Coralie Van Den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa, World Rugby
- Maha Zaoui, General Manager of Rugby Africa
- Godwin Kayangwe, President, Uganda Rugby Union
During the press conference, speakers will:
- Announce official results of constitutional votes
- Confirm outcomes of Executive Committee elections
- Outline governance and gender inclusion reforms
- Present Rugby Africa’s strategic priorities for the coming cycle
- Take questions from accredited media
Media representatives and delegates are strongly encouraged to attend.
Media Contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Manager
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
Media Contact
Wamwayi Absolm Hassan Omar
Communications Manager
communications@ugandarugbyunion.com
About Uganda Rugby Union (URU):
The Uganda Rugby Union, established in 1955, is the national governing body for rugby union in Uganda, headquartered in Kampala. Affiliated with World Rugby and Rugby Africa, URU oversees the development, promotion, and administration of the sport across the country, from grassroots programs to elite national teams.
URU manages the Uganda Cranes (men’s national team), the Lady Cranes (women’s national team), Uganda Sevens teams, and U20 teams which have achieved notable success on the continental stage, including multiple Rugby Africa Sevens Championship titles and Rugby World Cup qualifications. The Union supports over 20 member clubs, youth academies, and community initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, physical fitness, and life skills through rugby.
Committed to Growing, Strengthening, and Empowerment, URU drives high performance training, referee development, and infrastructure projects while partnering with stakeholders to expand rugby’s reach in Uganda and beyond.
For more information, visit www.ugandarugbyunion.com