The Uganda U20 women’s rugby team is set to participate in the inaugural U20 African Series, organized by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), which will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
This tournament offers a unique platform for young female rugby players across Africa to showcase their talents and compete at an international level.
This historic occasion marks the first time Uganda’s U20 women’s team will play on the global stage.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Union’s Secretary Peter Odong emphasized the significance of this achievement for Uganda Rugby. “This is a proud moment for the entire rugby community in Uganda,” Odong said.
“The opportunity for our young women to compete at this level is a testament to the strategic direction of the Union in terms of developing the game.”
“We are confident that the experience they will gain from this tournament will be invaluable for their growth as athletes and ambassadors for Uganda Rugby.”
The U20 team has been training rigorously since early September under the guidance of Head Coach Brian Makalama, who expressed his confidence in the players and excitement for this new journey.
“This tournament is a huge step forward for our young players,” Makalama said.
“The girls have shown incredible commitment and drive in their preparation, and I believe they will give a good account of themselves on the field.
“Our goal is not only to compete but to build a strong foundation for the future, inspiring more young girls to pick up the sport.”
The participation of Uganda’s U20 team in this prestigious tournament has been made possible through the U20 Harambe campaign, which successfully raised essential funds thanks to the support of partners and well-wishers.
The team will kick off their campaign against Tunisia tomorrow, October 4th, before facing the Junior Springbok women’s team on October 8th.
The 25-player squad includes: Hajarah Muwandike, Lucky Ayoo, Tracy Nagujja, Mercy Mirembe, Rose Nakirya, Sunday Kitimbo, Fatuma Nantumbwe, Precious Opileni, Proscovia Mukyala, Zulaika Mukyala, Phoebe Nakalembe, Peace Nemira, Daphine Nabunya, Majorine Nabukeera, Mercy Atek, Judith Ayaa, Noeline Kushemererwe, Bushira Namutebi, Patience Mutuwa, Josephine Babirye, Hope Mulinde, Fortunate Mariah Mbabazi, Cynthia Yikpamungu, Atimes Mercy, and Halima Likambo Rahman.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum