Uganda Rugby Players Vote for Welfare, Pay, and Influence in Historic Elections

Uganda’s rugby community is holding its inaugural athletes’ representative elections today via video conference, with captains from URU member clubs casting votes. Four male and four female players will form a new commission, and the URU president will select one man and one woman for the executive committee, to be announced at tomorrow’s annual general meeting in compliance with the Sports Act, 2025.

Campaigns have spotlighted players’ frustrations over low prize money, inadequate facilities, and exclusion from key decisions. Uganda Rugby Cranes XVs assistant captain Conrad Wanyama criticized current payouts, calling the Ugx5 million for 17 weeks across 72 players ‘just transport money,’ and proposed a Shs50m league pot funded by sponsorships and revenues.

Candidates like Heathens’ Yusuf Waiswa and Walukuba’s Ivan Bulima demand direct involvement, insisting ‘no decisions about players without players.’ Norbert Okeny and Moses Olweny highlighted safety, insurance gaps, and post-career support, while Wanyama’s manifesto pushes for coaching upgrades and a dedicated welfare fund.

In the women’s race, all four candidates—Samiya Ayikoru, Asha Nabulime Nakityo, Agnes Nakuya from Thunderbirds, and Tina Akello from Nile Rapids—automatically qualify for the commission. They focus on equal resources, safe pitches, mental health, and grassroots development for women.

Doubts linger over whether elected reps will wield genuine power or remain symbolic, as the president’s appointments hold sway.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)