Walukuba Barbarians strengthen squad for Safari 7s in Nairobi

The 2025 Uganda National Rugby 7s Series champions, Walukuba Barbarians RFC, have bolstered their squad ahead of the Safari Rugby 7s tournament taking place this weekend at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

The Jinja-based outfit made history this year by becoming only the sixth club to win the prestigious national title, capping off a remarkable season that showcased their youthful talent and fearless play.

With the youngest players, 17-year-old schoolboys Shafiq Manisur and Matthew Oluka, and the oldest, 28-year-old Bob Kawanda, the Barbarians have built a foundation that promises to shape Uganda’s rugby 7s landscape for years to come.

Their impressive performances throughout the season have also opened doors at the national level. Shakim Ssembusi and Ivan Bulima are set to make their Uganda Rugby 7s debuts, while Gift Wokorach earns a return for his second Safari 7s appearance. Wokorach was the team’s second-highest scorer during the series, while Bulima is widely regarded as the Most Valuable Player of the campaign.

During their successful seven-circuit run, the Barbarians fielded 18 players, suffering only one injury — to pacey winger Isa Luqman. However, with national team call-ups and the injury setback, head coach Leonard Lumbabula was left with a reduced pool of 14 players ahead of the trip to Nairobi.

To strengthen his lineup, Lumbabula has recruited several reinforcements who fit the Barbarians’ culture, profile, and fast-paced style of play. The new additions include Hosanna Opileni, Alphonse Openyi, Brian Wandera, Stuart Mwayi, and Godwin Abwang all of whom featured in this year’s National 7s Series with their respective clubs.

Since the Safari 7s is an invitational tournament, player registration rules are more flexible, allowing such inter-club collaborations.

However, the team will miss Yasin Waiswa, who was initially set to feature but has been ruled out due to internal unrest within his club, the Jinja Hippos Rugby Club.

With depth, youth, and momentum on their side, the Walukuba Barbarians head to Nairobi ready to showcase the spirit that made them Uganda’s 2025 7s champions.