Uganda is set to compete in the HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025, with the opening round scheduled for 1st and 2nd March in Cape Town, South Africa.
The tournament will feature 12 nations from around the globe, with teams vying for top positions to advance in the competition.
The tournament structure ensures that the winners from each of the four pools progress to the semi-finals.
Second-placed teams will battle for positions five to eight, while third-placed teams will compete for positions nine to twelve.
The second round of the competition will also take place in Cape Town on 7th and 8th March.
At the conclusion of this stage, the top eight men’s and women’s teams will advance to the final tournament in Krakow, Poland, on 11th and 12th April.
The four teams with the highest cumulative points across the three Challenger rounds will then qualify for the HSBC Sevens Play-Off in Los Angeles, USA, on 3rd and 4th May.
Uganda’s men’s team has been drawn into Pool C, where they will face formidable opponents Samoa and Brazil.
The team will be led by Head Coach Tolbert Onyango, with assistance from Michael Wandera.
A 12-player squad was been named, along with four reserves.
Men’s Squad:
- Tukei Aaron
- Alex Aturinda
- Allan Karuhanga
- Kamiza Jones
- Roy Kizito
- Arnold Ocen
- Karim Arinaitwe
- Norbert Okeny
- Allan Olweny
- Daniel Otim
- Patrick Okello
- Malcom Okello
Reserves:
- Stuart Mwayi
- Aina Ndahura
- Julius Opio
- Thomas Opio
On the women’s side, Uganda is placed in Pool C alongside Belgium and Colombia. Under the guidance of Head Coach Charles Onen and Assistant Coach Kigongo Ssebalamu, the team is captained by Peace Lekuru.
Women’s Squad:
- Samia Ayikoru
- Ayot Gloria
- Grace Auma
- Lydia Namabiro
- Gertrude Kateesa
- Mayimuna Nasozi
- Janati Nandudu
- Agnes Nakuya
- Mastula Nambozo
- Molly Akello
- Rachael Mufuna
- Grace Nabagala
With a competitive lineup in both men’s and women’s squads, Uganda will be aiming for strong performances in the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series, with hopes of making it to the final rounds and ultimately securing a place in the prestigious HSBC Sevens Play-Offs in Los Angeles.
