The vibrant town of Malaba Is set to become a new hub for rugby development in Eastern Uganda, as the Mayor of Malaba Town Council, Mr. Mugisha Andrew Orono officially launched the Rugby Holiday Makers Program. This initiative, which is part of the broader Tororo Rugby Age Grade Program, focuses on engaging school-going children from both primary and secondary schools in the community. The program aims to nurture talent, promote physical fitness, and impart leadership and mentorship skills through the sport of rugby.
During the launch event, the Mayor of Malaba Town Council expressed his commitment to fostering the growth of rugby in the community. He promised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tororo Rugby to provide access to land where rugby can be played and practiced regularly. This commitment is a significant step toward creating a sustainable environment for the sport’s development in Malaba.
Who are Eligible for the Rugby Holiday Makers Program in Malaba?
The program Is open to holidaymakers between the ages of 10 and 18, offering them an opportunity to learn how to play rugby while also developing essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline.
The training sessions will take place at Malaba Seed Secondary School grounds, with volunteer coaches guiding the young participants. These coaches, including dedicated teachers like Teacher Gilbert of Malaba Seed Secondary School and Teacher Godfrey of Maama Junior Primary School, are committed to nurturing the next generation of rugby players in the Bukedi region.
Expansion and Partnerships in Bukedi Sub-Region
The Tororo Rugby initiative is expanding beyond its roots in Tororo to encompass a broader area, including Malaba and Busia. With this expansion comes the need for more partnerships and support from the local authorities and businesses.
In a recent development, the manager of Liquid Bar in Busia has partnered with Tororo Rugby to provide a venue for rugby fans from both Bukedi and Western Kenya when they cross into Uganda. This partnership was unveiled alongside the appointment of Tony Lujesi, a former Kenyan International rugby player, as the Age Grade Coordinator for Bukedi.
Building a Rugby Community in Malaba
The expansion of the Tororo Rugby Age Grade Program into Malaba represents an exciting opportunity for the community. With the support of local authorities, teachers, volunteer coaches, and partnerships with businesses such as Liquid Bar, the program is well-positioned to cultivate a new generation of rugby players and fans. The promise of an MOU with the Malaba Town Council further signifies the commitment to securing a lasting footprint for rugby in the region.
Special thanks go to the Uganda Rugby Union, Tororo Rugby officials, players, volunteer coaches, the Give Rugby Foundation, and other partners, including the municipality authority of Busia, Uganda, for their continued support in spreading the love of rugby across Eastern Uganda.
As the Rugby Holiday Makers Program takes root in Malaba, it brings with it the potential to transform lives, build character, and create a cohesive community united by the spirit of rugby.