A joint delegation from Nile Breweries and the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) visited the South African High Commission in Kampala on Wednesday, ahead of two major rugby milestones—the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 and the Webb Ellis Cup Tour.
The delegation, led by Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing at Nile Breweries, and Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga, CEO of URU, was warmly welcomed by Mr. Solly Sebola, Chargé d’Affaires at the South African High Commission, and his team.
The meeting celebrated the deepening ties between Uganda and South Africa in the realm of rugby, as Uganda prepares to host the continent’s top rugby tournament as well as the prestigious Webb Ellis Trophy, currently held by South Africa after their 2023 Rugby World Cup victory in France.
Speaking during the visit, URU CEO Isaac Lutwama highlighted the symbolic value of the upcoming events.
“Working closely with the South African High Commission is important because South Africa are not only world champions but also a huge inspiration. The Webb Ellis Cup’s presence here will motivate our players and fans as we fight for our place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup,” Lutwama said.
He also commended Nile Special, Nile Breweries’ flagship brand, for its longstanding support.
“We are thankful for Nile Special’s continued belief in our dream. Together, we want to show that Ugandan rugby can reach the world stage,” he added.
Gitahi emphasized the brand’s commitment to uplifting rugby in Uganda:
“Nile Special has always been the number one fan of Ugandan rugby. This visit is part of our journey to help the national team achieve big dreams. The Rugby Africa Cup is a chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and compete with the best,” she said.
The Rugby Africa Cup 2025 will be hosted at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium in Kampala from July 8 to 20, 2025. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Eight teams will participate in the knockout-format competition: Zimbabwe (2024 champions), Uganda (hosts), Kenya, Namibia, Algeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco (qualifying through the North Africa Repechage).
Uganda, the 2007 champions, will open their campaign with a high-stakes match against regional rivals Kenya. The winner of the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2027 World Cup, while the runner-up will face the Asia runners-up in a repechage match, also scheduled to take place in Uganda.
Chargé d’Affaires Sebola reaffirmed South Africa’s support for Uganda’s World Cup bid.
“Bringing the Webb Ellis Cup to Uganda is about more than symbolism—it brings hope and inspiration. We look forward to seeing Uganda stand beside South Africa in 2027 as Africa’s representatives,” he said.
The successful organization of the Rugby Africa Cup is being powered by an alliance of key partners. In addition to Nile Special, the tournament is supported by Rockboom, MTN MoMo (official ticketing partner), NBS Sport (broadcast partner), Uganda Tourism Board, CFAO Uganda, Uganda Airlines, Vivo Energy, and Speke Resort.
The Webb Ellis Cup Tour will offer fans across Uganda a rare opportunity to see rugby’s most coveted trophy up close, sparking excitement and rallying national support for the Rugby Cranes on their journey toward the global stage.
