Uganda To Host 17th Rugby Africa General Meeting as Over 30 National Unions Prepare to Vote on Major Reforms
Rugby leaders across Africa to assemble in Kampala for constitutional vote, executive elections and decisions shaping the sport’s long-term strategic direction on Friday, February 27th.
KAMPALA, Uganda – The 17th Annual General Meeting of Rugby Africa, the continental governing body for rugby across Africa, will take place in Kampala on Friday, 27 February. The Assembly will bring together senior decision-makers from 32 national unions for what is expected to be one of the most consequential meetings in the organisation’s history.
Held in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and Uganda Rugby Union, the three-day gathering represents Rugby Africa’s highest decision-making forum. Presidents, board members and official delegates from across the continent will convene to review progress, exercise their voting rights, and determine the strategic direction of the sport in Africa.
Among those in attendance will be Rugby Africa President and World Rugby Executive Board Member Herbert Mensah, Vice President, Nasser Bougja, and senior World Rugby representatives including Director of International Relations, Investment & Member Services, Clare Barrell and Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa, Coralie Van Den Berg. Rugby Africa General Manager, Maha Zaoui, General Secretary, Jurie Roux, and Uganda Rugby Union President, Godwin Kayangwe will also be among the many that will be present.
“We are coming to Kampala with a clear objective, to modernise our structures and strengthen the foundations of African rugby. Governance sits at the heart of everything we do, and good governance is not optional; it is essential,” states President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
At the centre of this year’s Assembly are proposed amendments to Rugby Africa’s Constitution, the organisation’s supreme governing document. The Constitution defines how decisions are made, how leaders are elected, and how accountability is upheld. Any amendments therefore represent significant structural reforms to the governance of rugby across the continent.
“These proposed reforms are about unity, integrity, gender inclusion and independent expertise, ensuring Rugby Africa is future-focused and ready for the next phase of growth. Africa must stand eye-to-eye with the world. With limited resources we have delivered extraordinary tournaments, and now we must build the structures that allow us to grow sustainably and create opportunity for all 40 Member Unions. The future of African rugby will be shaped by us, together,” adds Mensah.
Delegates will review and vote on reforms aimed at strengthening governance structures, enhancing gender representation in leadership, and modernising Rugby Africa’s institutional framework to align with contemporary global standards.
Elections will also be held for key leadership positions within the Rugby Africa Executive Committee. In accordance with the Constitution, a formal call for candidatures has been launched for the position of Treasurer and for a potential Executive Committee Member seat.
The AGM will further reinforce Rugby Africa’s strategic priorities, including safeguarding, player welfare, gender equity, and long-term sustainability. Discussions will focus on ensuring continued growth while strengthening accountability and responsibility at every level of the game.
With over 60 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent presents unparalleled potential for sports development. Expansion of grassroots programmes, women’s rugby pathways and structured competitions reflects rugby’s accelerating growth trajectory across Africa.
The continent’s competitive strength was highlighted when South Africa secured their fourth Rugby World Cup title in 2023, becoming the most successful men’s team in tournament history. At the same time, emerging unions across West, East, and Southern Africa continue to build domestic capacity and sustainable development structures.
The decisions taken in Kampala will influence leadership structures, governance standards, gender representation and strategic investment priorities across 40 nations. The Assembly will conclude with a press conference at Kabira Country Club, where key outcomes will be communicated to the media. Uganda has previously hosted the 2024 and 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which served as qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup, reinforcing its growing role as a key host nation for continental rugby events.
Media Invite for Official Press Conference: Click Here
“World Rugby fully supports Rugby Africa’s ambitious constitutional reform process—a robust, inclusive journey that reflects the continent’s commitment to excellence. These forward‑looking reforms align with global best practice while celebrating Africa’s identity, strengthening the Game, and empowering all members to shape a bright future for rugby across the region,” states World Rugby’s Regional Partnership Manager for Africa, Coralie Van Den Berg.
“Hosting the 17th Rugby Africa AGM in Kampala marks a pivotal milestone in Uganda’s rugby journey, showcasing our nation’s growing stature on the continental stage. This event not only unites African rugby leaders to shape the sport’s future but also accelerates our domestic development by fostering investment pathways, talent nurturing, and infrastructure growth. We are immensely proud to lead this charge, inspiring the next generation of Ugandan players and leaders to reach new heights. We welcome all African Union leaders, players and fans to unite through this great cause, to build a stronger rugby-oriented continent,” states President of Uganda Rugby Union, Godwin Kayangwe.
“This Annual General Meeting reflects the maturity and institutional strength Rugby Africa has built in recent years. Our governance reforms, strategic clarity and operational discipline demonstrate that we are not only growing the game but managing it with accountability and vision. Rugby Africa today stands as a confident, structured and forward-looking organisation, ready to lead the next phase of rugby’s growth across the continent,” states General Manager of Rugby Africa, Maha Zaoui.
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
