𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯

HFC X account, proudly supports @HipposRugby, @NileRapidsRFC, @CrocsRugby & #UgandaRugby

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[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇺🇬 The 2026 #UgandaRugby XVs Champions

A victory wall from elite club games to schoolboy breakthroughs in a single narrative tapestry

What the graphic cannot fully carry is the texture behind the results. The emotional weight of one-point finals, the tactical battles that never show up in scorelines, the emergence of standout individuals who shifted matches without ever being named, and the administrative and financial pressures that shaped participation, especially in women’s rugby and relegation disputes.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇰🇪 The 2025/2026 #RugbyKE XVs season in wrap.

@RfcKabras bagged 5x consecutive #KenyaCup trophies and 6x straight #EnterpriseCup2026 titles. They’re also 55 straight matches unbeaten, including 2 against #UgandaRugby Clubs

On the women’s side, @MwambaRFC have won the Women’s Kenya Cup 5x seasons in a row. Their exact unbeaten tally is unclear, but it spans over 2 seasons

@masese_derrick safe to say: Kenyan Rugby is not competitive 🤣

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

They can watch their own teams play when No.2 is implemented. They can also be inspired by the likes of Oketayot and Alphonse etc who are playing in the core teams.

And yes, if they don’t use the chance, given all the 5 pointers and more, it’s money wasted and that’s on them as North - not another region that will/would have used the chance right.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

The cost of a Gulu leg is not an extra burden to the northern sides.. But if the hosts actually run it properly - local food stalls, gated entry, hotel partnerships, school packages, chief/guest sponsorship - the northern associations and local clubs can make money off the weekend instead of just watching 20 visiting sides spend and leave.

Done right, it’s a trading weekend for the north, not a burden that needs to be removed.

[Dr. Martin Muyingo @martin_muyi1160]

September is a fresh start. Learn, lead, grow and turn every opportunity into progress. Happy New Month!

#september

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

Guarantee is a strong word. Kids, players & parents in Gulu seeing the actual national circuit live is still likely to create the next player along another year of ‘let’s only do grassroots.’

The event & the development work aren’t enemies if you actually use the opportunity.

The logistics this weekend needed work - that’s a different conversation.

Gulu is guaranteed 2 years of hosting, subject to review before they get additional 2 years… If they waste the chance, that is on them

Surely they can use these events:

1. As a high-visibility platform
2. Run local age-grade, schools, or developmental 7s tournament the day before or as a curtain-raiser.
- Run a “Gulu All-Stars” or Northern invitational side exhibition match.
- Host a skills clinic or open training session with some of the visiting core-team players or coaches.
3. Build relationships with the visiting core clubs, coaches & Uganda Rugby officials.
4. Generate revenue
- Use the large crowd to recruit new players, volunteers & members.
5. Document the event well & use it in future funding proposals
6. Etc

It is a rare chance to put your region and club in front of the entire national rugby community. The smartest clubs treat it as a development and marketing opportunity rather than just a logistical exercise.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

AGAIN it should not be either/or.

By insisting on removing regional circuits, we risk sending the message that these events are detrimental to rugby. In reality, they were created to grow the sport, and Mbale is an example of that, pretty sure we shall get the same story from Bugembe/Kakira, FortPortal and Kabale. The conversation should be about improving them, not eliminating them.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇺🇬 FISU 7s | #Stellenbosch2026

A flag-off ceremony for the #UgandaRugby side was held yesterday. @UgandaRugby CEO Isaac @luti_is Nsubuga attended and pledged support for university rugby.

That backing includes plans for a Varsity XVs tournament aimed at non-premiership players - a structured outlet for university and development-level athletes who are not in the top-flight club league - plus an ambition to field a side at #Safari7s in Nairobi.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇺🇬|🇿🇦 @VarsitysportsUG has named Leonard Lubambula and Kevin Makmot as head coaches of the university men’s Rugby 7s team for the FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship, set for 4-6 September Stellenbosch.

The team is targeting a podium finish after placing 6th out of 12 teams at the 2018 edition. Francis Bogere will captain the 12-man squad, assisted by Calvin Gizaba.

Before departure, Uganda will face a national select side in a warm-up match at Kyadondo Rugby Ground. Uganda’s expected opponents: 🇨🇳, 🇮🇹, 🇪🇸, 🇫🇷(defending champions), 🇵🇹, 🇳🇦, 🇰🇪, 🇬🇧, 🇧🇷 & hosts 🇿🇦

Source: https://t.co/oPRJBn66XU

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇺🇬 Coach Kevin Makmot clarified the Varsity 7s setup on the Fat Cats Space; Francis Bogere will captain the side, with Allan Karuhanga as vice-captain

The squad has been doing early-morning work, with sessions starting at 6:30 a.m. and running about 2 hours

#Stellenbosch2026

[Fat Cats Podcast 🏉🎙️ @fatcatspod]

The Varsity 7s team is captained by Francis Bogere and he's assisted by Allan Karuhanga

Kevin Makmot - Coach, Varsity 7s Team

https://t.co/ZTJGR2I8lc

#FatCatsPod

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇺🇬|🇿🇦 @VarsitysportsUG has named Leonard Lubambula and Kevin Makmot as head coaches of the university men’s Rugby 7s team for the FISU World University Rugby Sevens Championship, set for 4-6 September Stellenbosch.

The team is targeting a podium finish after placing 6th out of 12 teams at the 2018 edition. Francis Bogere will captain the 12-man squad, assisted by Calvin Gizaba.

Before departure, Uganda will face a national select side in a warm-up match at Kyadondo Rugby Ground. Uganda’s expected opponents: 🇨🇳, 🇮🇹, 🇪🇸, 🇫🇷(defending champions), 🇵🇹, 🇳🇦, 🇰🇪, 🇬🇧, 🇧🇷 & hosts 🇿🇦

Source: https://t.co/oPRJBn66XU

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇿🇦|🇺🇬 ➡️ 67 Days to FISU Rugby 7s (Stellenbosch)

The @VarsitysportsUG (AUUS) has made an official call for nomination of players for the National University Rugby 7s Team for the 2026 World University Rugby 7s Championship.

Each listed university (Victoria, Kyambogo, Uganda Christian, Makerere, Uganda Martyrs, Nkumba and Kampala International) is requested to nominate 5 players max (may submit fewer depending on quality).

Player Eligibility:
• Must report for training on 6 July 2026.
• Born between 1 Jan 2001 & 31 Dec 2008.
• Must possess a valid Passport.

Training Camp: Starts 6 July 2026 at Makerere University. Runs non-residential from 6 July to 18 August 2026 with continuous assessment.

After assessment, 12 players will be selected to represent Uganda at the World University Rugby 7s Championship in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa (4–6 Sept 2026).
• Residential Camp: 18 Aug – 2 Sept 2026.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

It shouldn’t be an either/or discussion. Having age grade rugby and community rugby clinics shouldn’t prevent an area from hosting major events. In fact, the two should complement each other.

The event itself can be used as a platform to run age grade competitions, community clinics, coaching workshops & school engagement. If the opportunity is planned properly, hosting becomes a catalyst for growing the game, not a distraction from it.

There are plenty of examples where hosting major rugby events has accelerated participation and development because the legacy was built into the event, rather than treated as a separate initiative.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

Japan #RWC2019
This is the clearest measured example. Impact Beyond 2019 put tag rugby into 6,616 elementary schools and trained more than 10,000 teachers. About 769,000 Japanese children tried the game, Asia-wide new participants passed 2 million. After the tournament, registered numbers rose in minis and junior high. Host cities such as Kamaishi are still using the rebuilt grounds.

🇭🇰 and 🇯🇵 grew because the host unions spent the event’s attention and money on children who could keep playing in January.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇭🇰 The Hong Kong 7s began in 1976 and one of the reasons was to develop rugby in Asia. Surplus from the event still funds the domestic game. Around that platform, HSBC Try Rugby put certified teachers into a majority of local primary schools and reached tens of thousands of students. More than 270 primary schools now play. Local 15s later reached a Rugby World Cup. The event paid the bills. The school programme created players.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇭🇰 The Hong Kong 7s began in 1976 and one of the reasons was to develop rugby in Asia. Surplus from the event still funds the domestic game. Around that platform, HSBC Try Rugby put certified teachers into a majority of local primary schools and reached tens of thousands of students. More than 270 primary schools now play. Local 15s later reached a Rugby World Cup. The event paid the bills. The school programme created players.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@KoyokoyoButeme @ErnestAkor Fair point, but we weren’t comparing #Dubai7s to #Lawiirwodi7s band-for-band, just the one point - ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PART OF THE CORE TEAMS TO HOST AN EVENT

We listed other examples, not just Dubai, and quite sure you can find more emphasizing the same thing

[MukwanaYasinWaiswa @Yasinwaswa]

Even if it doesn't go as planned by the end of the day, we shall Kneel down and ask God for a better tomorrow🤲🏼🙏.. congratulations @heathens and tough luck and a big thanks to @buffaloes🫡..

#come_back_stronger💪💪
#always_grateful🫶🇺🇬

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

But hosting a leg in Gulu even when the North currently has no core teams isn’t that unusual. It’s actually a common approach in sevens globally.

Dubai has hosted the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS for years (and will again in 2026/27), yet 🇦🇪 UAE has never had a team in the main competition. Same with 🇸🇬 Singapore and 🇭🇰 Hong Kong - they regularly host big legs without their national teams being part of the core group.

The idea is usually to grow the game in that region. Taking the Series to Gulu follows the same logic, we remember CEO saying exactly that.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@ArigiObiero He’s the only one everyone saw

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

A taunting celebration - provocative

“We’re the men - we just washed you”

This might get Gift Lukyamuzi wrongly judged…

Anyone who has followed him knows he’s an introvert. He’s usually quiet, composed, and keeps to himself. When a player like that suddenly produces a bold, expressive celebration, it often says more about the emotion of the moment than it does about one’s “personality.”

Moments can bring out reactions that don’t necessarily define the person.

[sehmoo @Higenyyi]

First come outside and we talk 😂😂😂

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@ArigiObiero Bana 😂

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@ArigiObiero The context is the game itself.

A hard-fought win, the emotion of the moment, and a quiet player who rarely shows that side.

That’s all I’m pointing at. Nothing more.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@ArigiObiero Not trying to tetea anyone 🤣🤣

Just calling it what it looked like - a quiet guy who finally let the moment hit him.

A brain fart is random. This one had context.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@ArigiObiero Not a brain fart 😂

Just a rare moment where the emotion broke through the quiet.

Even introverts have a limit - and that was his.

Doesn’t rewrite who he is.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

With the Greatest Rugby Rivalry tour between the Springboks & the All Blacks taking place the same month, a Fan Zone will be set up with a chill area, beer tent, music, food stalls and a big screen where #Stellenbosch2026 ticket holders can watch the Springbok/All Blacks clash on Saturday, September 5.

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

🇧🇼 The Botswana Ladies Rugby 7s team is set to embark on its journey to South Africa to compete at the FISU World University Rugby 7s Championship.

The team will officially receive its send-off today

All the best to the Botswana Ladies

#Stellenbosch2026

[𝗛𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 @HipposFans]

@PhillOtieno @dbaafrica @AgeGradeUg @thebudonian @CupSchools2026 @roguerugbyke No, that was the @CupSchools2026 Select..

But 😆 still interested in what you meant