KAMPALA, Uganda — Officials from Nile Breweries, led by Head of Marketing Wangechi Gitahi, and the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), with CEO Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga, visited the South African High Commission in Kampala today.
Their engagement focused on upcoming landmark rugby events: the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 and the Webb Ellis Cup Tour.
The delegation received a warm welcome from Solly Sebola, the Chargé d’Affaires (acting Head of Mission) at the South African High Commission in Uganda. This visit underscored the strong rugby ties between Uganda and South Africa, especially as Uganda prepares to host both the continental tournament and the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup, awarded to the Rugby World Cup champions.
Nile Breweries, through its flagship brand Nile Special, has consistently been a key supporter of Ugandan rugby. The company is once again firmly backing the Uganda Rugby Union and the Rugby Cranes as they embark on this crucial journey. The Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which will be held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. South Africa, the current Webb Ellis Cup holders after their victory in France in 2023, have already secured their spot at the next World Cup.
The Rugby Africa Cup tournament is scheduled from July 8 to July 20, 2025, and will feature eight top African rugby nations competing for continental glory in a knockout format. Participants include Zimbabwe (2024 champions), host Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco.
Uganda, champions in 2007, will kick off their campaign against regional rivals Kenya. The winner of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The runner-up will advance to a repechage match against the Asian runners-up, also to be hosted in Uganda, for a chance to reach the final global repechage and claim the last qualification spot.
During the visit, URU CEO Isaac Lutwama emphasized the importance of the collaboration. “Working closely with the South African High Commission is so important because South Africa are not only the reigning Rugby World Cup champions but also a huge inspiration to us,” Lutwama stated. “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 alongside them. We are thankful to Nile Special for their continued support and belief in our dream. Together, we want to show that Ugandan rugby can reach the world stage.”
Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing at Nile Breweries, echoed this message. “Nile Special has always been the number one fan of Ugandan Rugby, and this visit means a lot to our journey of helping our teams achieve big dreams,” Gitahi said. “We know how important it is for our players to see that South Africa, the current holders of the Webb Ellis Cup, are backing this journey too. The Rugby Africa Cup is our chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and stand with the best.”
Chargé d’Affaires Solly Sebola welcomed the teams and partners, affirming South Africa’s pride in sharing this historic moment with Uganda. “We are honored to host this delegation as Uganda prepares to host this very important Rugby tournament,” Sebola remarked. “Bringing the Cup here gives hope and inspiration to everyone who loves rugby. We wish Uganda the best in the Rugby Africa Cup, and we hope to see them in Australia in 2027 standing beside South Africa as Africa’s representatives.”
The Rugby Africa Cup 2025 brings together top African teams, with the support of partners like Nile Special crucial for growing the game. Key partners include Rockboom, MTN MoMo as the official ticketing partner, NBS Sport as the broadcast partner, Uganda Tourism Board, CFAO Uganda, Uganda Airlines, Vivo Energy, and Speke Resort. As the Webb Ellis Cup tours Uganda, fans will have a rare opportunity to celebrate rugby’s highest prize while rallying behind the national team in their quest for World Cup qualification.
