KIU Crows Travel to Kabale for National 7s Qualifiers

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Western Campus, — The high-flying KIU Crows rugby team will travel to Kabale this Saturday to compete in the highly anticipated 2025 National 7s League qualifiers.

The Crows head into the tournament riding a wave of momentum after an impressive performance in the Western Uganda Rugby Association League. They have been drawn in Pool A of the National Circuit alongside Walukuba Barbarians, Hippos, and Gulu City Falcons.

Team captain Ivan Munguleni said the squad is confident they can carry their league form into this weekend’s national stage.

“We’re buzzing with energy here at Kampala International University, and I can tell you the team is as ready as ever,” Munguleni said.

 “We've put in the hard work over the past few months with intense training sessions focusing on our strengths in speed, defense, strategy, and teamwork.”

The Crows enter Saturday’s showcase just a week after dominating the Western circuit with an unbeaten run at the Ishaka 7s on Sept. 13. Their victory at that tournament saw them crowned Western Uganda Rugby Association League (WURA 7s) champions with maximum points.

The National Circuit will be a significant test for the team, but Munguleni believes they are up for the challenge.

“Our preparations have included scrimmages against local rivals and fitness drills tailored to the circuit's demands — whether it's endurance runs or tactical plays,” he said.

“There are no major injuries in the squad, and morale is sky-high. We're treating this as our big chance to shine on the national stage and represent KIU with pride. I reckon we're firing on all cylinders and can't wait to hit the track.”

The Crows will also look to in-form star player Mark Ssengoba, who has been pivotal in the team’s recent success.

KIU currently leads the WURA 7s standings with 35 points — one point ahead of the Buddu Bears, Mbarara Titans, and Kigezi Silverbacks. This dominant run comes just months after ending an eight-year trophy drought by winning the Western Uganda Rugby 15s title in May.

Team president Lewis Akampa credited the team’s drive to a renewed sense of purpose.

“The motivation behind our current form? It's all about the hunger to prove ourselves and honour our university,” Akampa said. “After a rebuilding phase last season, we've got this fire to go deeper in the nationals.”

Munguleni added that support from the university has been a key motivator.

“As captain, it’s driven by seeing the growth in my teammates and the support from the KIU administration and management. It pushes us to train harder and play smarter,” he said.

“We're motivated by the bigger picture, too — showcasing Ugandan talent and inspiring the next generation of athletes. They can start from scratch and break records.”

The Kabale tournament will also serve as a chance for the Crows to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans, following a disappointing exit in the National 15s playoffs in July.

The top two teams from this qualifying event will earn a place in the 2026 National Rugby 7s League.