Uganda Rugby has officially launched the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series, with the national championship set to begin this weekend at the Stone City 7s hosted by Hippos RFC at Ruck Yard Sports Club.
The six-leg series will run from July 24 to September, featuring 12 men’s core teams and eight women’s core teams competing across the country under the theme “Tukikube. Every Stop.”
After the opening leg in Kampala, the circuit will head to the Rujumba 7s at King’s Park Arena (August 1-2), Kyadondo 7s at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds (August 22-23), Lawirwodi 7s in Gulu (August 29-30), Kyabazinga 7s in Bugembe (September 12-13), before concluding with the Kabaka Coronation 7s at Wankulukuku.
One of the major changes this season is the expansion of the women’s core competition from six to eight teams.
Uganda Rugby has also introduced the Uganda Rugby 7s Pathway Series, replacing invitational teams with a structured promotion and relegation system. The regional competition will be played across the country’s four regions before culminating in Promotional Series tournaments.
At the end of the season, the bottom two men’s and women’s teams in the national circuit will be relegated and replaced by the top two teams from the Promotional Series.
Uganda Rugby Chief Executive Officer Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga said the introduction of the Pathway Series and the addition of the Lawirwodi 7s in Gulu are aimed at growing the game beyond Kampala.
“The Pathway Series is expanding competitive rugby in all four regions, while the Lawirwodi 7s demonstrates our commitment to investing in structures and opportunities outside the capital,” he said.
Uganda Rugby Sevens Organising Committee chairman Desire Derekford Mugumisa said the new format gives every club a genuine route to the top level.
“With the Pathway Series feeding promotion into the national championship, every club now has an earned opportunity to reach the top. That is how the sport grows,” Mugumisa said.
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