Heathens have been crowned the overall champions of the 2024 National Rugby 7s series, marking their first victory since 2013.
This triumph adds a 12th title to their record in the competition. Despite a rocky start in the season’s opening circuit in Entebbe, Heathens bounced back, winning two circuits and consistently finishing in the semifinals and finals to accumulate points and stay atop the standings.
Heathens’ journey to the championship was highlighted by victories at the Gulu 7s and the Kyabazinga 7s.
In the final circuit of the season, the Rujumba 7s, a 33-0 quarterfinal win against Mongers secured their position as overall champions. Impressively, they conceded only four tries throughout the Rujumba 7s, a record unmatched by any other team.
Malcolm Okello, a standout player for Heathens, emerged as the top points scorer and MVP of the Rujumba 7s.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, he said, “It’s been a long journey. We didn’t start the season well, but we went back to the drawing board, won two circuits, and managed to stay on top.
We are thrilled to win the overall title, but we also wanted to win the Rujumba 7s. It wasn’t our day, but I’m proud of my teammates for their tireless efforts and for creating opportunities for me to score.”
Heathens have dominated the 2023-2024 Uganda rugby season, claiming the Uganda Cup, the Nile Special Rugby Championship, and now the National Rugby 7s title.
However, their Rujumba 7s campaign ended in heartbreak as they lost 17-12 to rivals Pirates in the final held at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere, on October 6, 2024.
The match was officiated by Zimbabwean referee Tinashe Kamwenje. In a tense and closely contested match, Pirates’ Timothy Kisiga opened the scoring with a try and conversion, giving his team a 7-0 lead.
Heathens responded through a try by Malcolm Okello, though the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 7-5 in favor of Pirates at halftime.
The second half saw Pirates extend their lead to 12-5 through a try by Paul Bagota. Heathens responded with a try by Nobert Okeny, followed by a successful conversion from Okello, leveling the score at 12-12 and pushing the match into extra time.
In the extra time’s second half, a key moment saw Heathens’ Etwau Denis lose the ball forward after a tackle, and Pirates’ Conrad Wanyama capitalized with a dummy and break to score the winning try, sealing the match 17-12.
Pirates’ journey to the final included a 19-12 win over Buffaloes in the quarterfinals and a 15-7 victory against Hippos in the semifinals. Heathens, meanwhile, defeated Mongers 33-0 in the quarters and Walukuba 33-5 in the semis.
With the conclusion of the series, Heathens topped the standings with 127 points, narrowly edging out Pirates, who finished with 125 points.
Buffaloes secured third place with 101 points, while Kobs finished with 99. Walukuba and Hippos tied at 98 points each.
The MVP of the Rujumba 7s and the top points scorer of the season was Heathens’ Malcolm Okello, while Hossana Opileni of Rams RFC claimed the top try scorer award.
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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.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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