Namilyango College is gearing up for the upcoming National Schools Rugby Championships in Bukedea with high hopes, following a solid showing in the 2025 Central Schools Rugby League finals.
Deputy Headmaster Denis Kakuru says the school is hard at work preparing the team, focusing on ball handling under wet conditions, speed, and accuracy.
“We are very optimistic that within the next three weeks before the nationals championships, our boys shall improve for the better especially in areas like ball handling techniques under wet conditions, coupled with speed and accuracy,” Kakuru said during an interview.
He added, “We will surely emerge the victors in the forthcoming National competitions at Bukedea 2025 because the team is currently building its capacity and capability of defeating all their opponents to grab the top spot.”
Namilyango had a strong run in the Central Schools Rugby League finals at Makerere. All three of their age-grade teams U15, U17, and U20 reached the finals.
The U15 boys clinched a close 14-11 win against St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), while the U17 team dominated with a 26-07 victory, powered by standout player Moses Mulungi, who was named MVP.
The U20 final was a tough battle. Namilyango, nicknamed the Anchors and former East African champions (2022), led early with a well-structured try. But Kings College Budo came back strong in the second half, taking advantage of missed penalties and slippery field conditions to win 29-17.
Kakuru, alongside the Rugby Patron Ecimon Thomas, reflected on the narrow loss: “We were surely headed for a back to back win. Unfortunately, due to few errors made by the team in the second half like failing to take the kickable penalty points in the first half coupled with the muddy pitch after a heavy early morning rain downpour, the game took a sudden turn in favor of Kings College Budo.”
Despite the U20 loss, the two trophies were warmly received by the school community. Head Teacher Mr. Mpuuga Constantine congratulated the players at a school assembly, where students and staff celebrated the achievement.
2025 Premier Schools Rugby League Finals:
- U15: Namilyango 14 – 11 SMACK
- U17: Namilyango 26 – 07 SMACK
- U20: Kings College Budo 29-17 Namilyango
