Rugby found a vibrant heartbeat in Jinja over the weekend as the Kyabazinga 7s unfolded at Bugembe Stadium — a stage where dreams soared, giants stumbled, and history was made. Walukuba Barbarians and Nile Rapids rose above the chaos, each lifting their respective trophies and marking a rare double home triumph in the 2025 Nile Special Uganda National 7s series.
For the Barbarians, their comeback story was one for the books. In a heated rematch of the Coronation Circuit final, the Heathens struck first, but Walukuba once again flipped the script, coming from behind to stun the Kampala powerhouse. Their path to the final included a determined victory over KOBS in the semifinals, cementing their claim as serious contenders for the national crown.
On the women’s front, Nile Rapids showcased why they remain a force to be reckoned with. Building on their previous success in Entebbe, they outclassed every opponent in their path, defending home turf with poise and power. Their triumph not only made them the first women’s side to win two circuits this season, but also positioned them as clear favorites heading into the final rounds.
Meanwhile, familiar names struggled. The Platinum Credit Heathens, despite flashes of brilliance and a dominant semifinal win over Black Pirates, couldn’t hold their nerve in the final. The Avengers and Black Pearls, last year’s champions, faltered early, missing out on the medal rounds. Rhinos exited in the group stage, and the Buffaloes failed to reach the semifinals — an uncharacteristic showing from Uganda’s rugby stalwarts.
Yet, individual brilliance still shone through the chaos. Julius Oyuk of the Heathens was named MVP in the men’s category for his tireless efforts, while Habiba Namalembe of the She Wolves claimed the women’s MVP accolade for her all-round display.
With only a handful of circuits left in the season, the Kyabazinga 7s not only reshuffled the leaderboard but also underlined a larger narrative — the shifting power in Ugandan rugby. Jinja, once seen as a developing hub, now stands firmly in the spotlight, with Walukuba Barbarians and Nile Rapids leading the charge.
As teams regroup during the upcoming rest weekend, one question looms large: Who can match Jinja’s rising rugby dominance?
Kyabazinga 7s : Key highlights.
Venue: Bugembe Stadium, Jinja
Dates: 6th–7th September 2025
Men’s Winners: Walukuba Barbarians
Women’s Winners: Nile Rapids
Men’s MVP: Julius Oyuk (Platinum Credit Heathens)
Women’s MVP: Habiba Namalembe (She Wolves)
Invitational Teams (Men): Soroti Rangers, Mbale Elephants, Busitema Boons, Njeru Hurricanes
Invitational Teams (Women): Bududa Dragons, Mbale Eagles
2025 National 7S winners so far
Coronation 7s: Walukuba Barbarians (Men), Thunderbirds (Women)
Gulu 7s: Buffaloes (Men), Avengers (Women)
Plascon Entebbe 7s: Heathens (Men), Nile Rapids (Women)
Rujumba 7s: Black Pirates (Men), Black Pearls (Women)
Kyabazinga 7s: Walukuba Barbarians (Men), Nile Rapids (Women)
