Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: ‘It Is About Heart And Confidence’ As Uganda’s Babirye Prepares For Survival Showdown
“I’m proud that rugby allows everyone to express themselves, regardless of size,” Shaine Babirye says. Uganda face Madagascar today at 14:00 EAT in a Rugby Africa Women’s Cup relegation decider. (Streaming details below)
NAIROBI, Kenya –Uganda’s Shaine Babirye likes to get involved and get in the thick of the action. So when Babirye switched from football to rugby at a young age, she naturally gravitated towards positions where she could influence every phase of the game.
The 20-year-old operates at scrumhalf or flyhalf in the 15s format, directing play with full vigour in her trademark calm and composed manner.
Her composed approach has become one of her standout qualities since first picking up a rugby ball in primary school.
Despite often coming up against physically bigger opponents, the Nile Rapids RFC playmaker has built her game around intelligence, speed and confidence.
Today, Babirye and the Lady Cranes face their biggest test yet. Uganda take on Madagascar in a decisive final-day clash at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division, with both teams fighting to avoid relegation from Africa’s top tier. The stakes could hardly be higher.
“As a halfback, you’re like the brain of the team,” Babirye tells Rugby Africa Media.
“Every second, you have to read the game, understand where space is, communicate with teammates, and make quick decisions under pressure. That is what I enjoy most, the responsibility of controlling the tempo and helping the team move forward. I love the challenge of analysing situations quickly and choosing the best option for the team: whether it’s passing, kicking, attacking around the breakdown, or organising the defence. It keeps me mentally sharp and fully involved throughout the game.”
“I’m proud that rugby allows everyone to express themselves, regardless of size,” she says.
“Rugby has taught me that courage, technique, fitness and mindset are equally important. I focus a lot on my speed, game understanding, positioning, and work ethic. Competing against bigger opponents pushes me to be smarter and more disciplined. Rugby is not only about physical strength. It is also about heart, confidence, and determination.
“The beauty of rugby is the unity and respect it teaches. Rugby brings together people from different backgrounds, sizes, and personalities. But once you step on the field, everyone fights for one badge, and one purpose. It also teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect for others. One thing I really love about rugby is that after intense competition, players still share respect and friendship off the field. That spirit is very special.”
Babirye’s rise through Ugandan rugby has been swift.
Two years after earning her maiden call-up to the Uganda Under-20 side, she was recently named Upcoming Player of the Year at the 2025 Uganda Rugby Awards — the biggest recognition of her young career so far.
Then came an even greater honour. Last Saturday, Babirye made her Test debut for Uganda’s senior side against hosts Kenya at the ongoing Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi.
The Lady Cranes suffered a 43-10 defeat to the Kenya Lionesses, but for Babirye, the occasion still represented a major personal milestone.
“It was one of the proudest moments of my life because it represented years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication,” says Babirye.
“Wearing the national team jersey is an honour that motivates me every day. Looking ahead, I want to continue developing as a player, compete at the highest level possible, and inspire more young girls to believe that they can also achieve great things through rugby.”
Victory would secure survival in the premier division and keep Uganda’s hopes alive of remaining on the pathway towards qualification for the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Defeat would see the Lady Cranes relegated to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One.
For Babirye, it is another opportunity to keep building towards the dream she speaks about so confidently — competing at the highest level possible.
And if her rise so far is anything to go by, Uganda may have found a new conductor capable of helping steer their future forward.
Where to watch?
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
Match Day 1: Saturday 23 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa (64) vs Madagascar (5)
- 16:00 – Kenya (43) vs Uganda (10)
Match Day 2: Wednesday 27 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – South Africa (47) vs Uganda (20)
- 16:00 – Kenya (57) vs Madagascar (0)
Match Day 3: Sunday 31 May 2026 (Local Kenya Time/EAT)
- 14:00 – Uganda vs Madagascar
- 16:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
Written by Enock Muchinjo
