Selecting the best 13 players after six circuits of the 2026 Uganda Rugby Sevens Series has been no easy task. The season produced five different winners across the opening five stops, before Platinum Credit Heathens completed the campaign by winning the Kabaka Coronation 7s and the overall national title.
With competition for places so intense, I have taken time to put together the 13 players who caught my eye most throughout the series. This is my personal team of the season, based on consistency, individual impact, performances and the influence each player had on his team.
Starting Seven
Brian Wandera — KCB Kobs
Often referred to as “50 Million”, a nickname linked to the huge billing surrounding him when he was at Rams before his move to Kobs, Brian Wandera has arguably lived up to the hype this season.
The young forward has shown maturity beyond his years, combining physicality with the ability to make an impact in open play. His performances throughout the series have earned him a place in my team of the season.
Edward Emiemu — Walukuba Barbarians
The Walukuba based hooker has been one of the players who consistently caught my attention.
Emiemu has impressed with his strong carries, physical approach and commitment in defence. He has been an important part of a Walukuba side that started the season by winning the Stone City 7s and remained competitive throughout the series.
Andrew Odhiambo — Platinum Credit Heathens
The latest addition to the Heathens setup from KCB Kobs quickly settled into his new surroundings and hit the ground running.
Odhiambo’s performances helped strengthen an already competitive Heathens squad, contributing to their successful campaign as they secured both the final circuit title and the overall national championship.
Shafik Mansour — Walukuba Barbarians
Small body, big brain.
That is how many fans have come to describe Shafik Mansour, and his performances this season have backed up the reputation.
Mansour has combined intelligence, composure and excellent decision-making to give Walukuba another dimension. His season was capped by being named MVP of the Kabaka Coronation 7s.
Gift Wokorach — Walukuba Barbarians
A natural playmaker who has kept Walukuba dangerous throughout the series.
Gift has consistently looked capable of creating something from very little, whether through his running, distribution or ability to put defenders under pressure. He has been one of the key reasons the Barbarians remained a threat across the six circuits.
Rasul Abiriga — KCB Kobs
A complete player who has helped keep Kobs among the leading contenders throughout the season.
Abiriga’s line breaking runs, game management and reliable boot have made him a player capable of influencing matches in different ways. His ability to control the game while still providing attacking threat earns him a place in my starting seven.
Allan Karuhanga — Stanbic Black Pirates
If Allan is fit, Allan must play.
Karuhanga has been one of the most complete finishers of the series and a major contributor to a young Pirates side that was undergoing a rebuild.
His consistency was recognised at the highest level when he was named the 2026 Uganda Rugby Sevens Series Men’s Overall MVP. Pirates also finished second overall behind Heathens.
The Bench
Mubarak Wandera — Stanbic Black Pirates
A consistent forward for the new look Stanbic Black Pirates.
Mubarak has provided physical presence and reliability to a young Pirates squad that eventually finished second in the national series. His performances throughout the campaign make him an easy selection for the team
Yusuf Ssemakula — Life Guard Rams
There is a new Ram on the block, and his name is Yusuf Ssemakula.
A relatively new face to many rugby followers, Ssemakula has announced himself with strong running and an eye for finishing. His performances, particularly during Rams’ impressive Kyadondo 7s campaign, have earned him a place among my selections.
Alphonse Openy — Platinum Credit Heathens
Another impressive addition to the Heathens squad.
The fast winger hit the ground running and brought pace and attacking threat to a side that eventually lifted the national sevens crown. His contribution over the season earns him a place on my bench.
Mathew Oluka — Walukuba Barbarians
One of the youngest players on my list and, in my view, one of the players who must be included.
The young centre has reminded fans and coaches that if you can play, you are old enough. His confidence and performances throughout the series have marked him out as one for the future.
Eden Shatif — Plascon Mongers
If you need the wheels, just pass the ball to Eden.
Shatif has developed into a much more complete player, and this season showed just how far that development has gone.
His pace remains a major weapon, but there is now much more to his game, making him a valuable selection for this team.
Walter Otim — Platinum Credit Heathens
Otim earns his place through consistency and intelligent game management.
His ability to make good decisions in attack and maintain control when his team needs composure has made him an important part of the Heathens’ successful campaign.
Special Mention
Felix Oyet — Hippos Rugby
Despite Hippos not having the easiest of seasons, Felix Oyet deserves special recognition.
He has been part of whatever spark could be seen in the new look Hippos side and has continued to provide moments that showed the potential within the team. He deserves to be mentioned among the players who made an impression during the 2026 series.
The Verdict
The 2026 Uganda Sevens Series produced an exceptional level of competition, with different clubs taking turns at the top before Heathens eventually emerged as overall champions.
Picking only 13 players from such a competitive field was never going to be easy. These are the players who, from my perspective, left the biggest impression across the six circuits and earned their place in my 2026 Uganda Sevens Team of the Season.
