We have seen these players for the past season or two, and for some, for the first time this season, but it is in the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership where they have stepped up and stepped out of their shells to become the incredible players we all love and cherish today.
These four lads and one lady are definitely a work in progress, but we can argue that their clubs have started to benefit from player development and proper scouting.
Sylvester Munguacel – Hooker, Heathens
While the whole country is grappling with the question of hooking, the Heathens have found their gem. Sylvester Munguacel has been the answer for the yellow machine, being the most consistent and present member of that ever-changing front row that has only recently found stability with Herbert Chanpara deputizing at 2, and Victor Wangobo and Newton Mwebaze as the props.
Whereas Munguacel joined Heathens from Kyambogo RFC as prop, playing in that position for the Stallions and Heathens II, it is as a hooker that he has made his mark. From the mostly accurate lineout throws to the big carries in open play, this boy has been the most improved and outstanding Heathen this season.
Jeremiah Okello – Winger, Black Pirates
Jeremiah has been a revelation this season. Only making his debut last year against the Kampani Eagles in the regular season, he marked that milestone with his first senior team try. The electric winger who has touched down 9 times for the Pirates this season, is only matched by Timothy Kisiga and 1 try behind Heathens’ Joseph Oyet on the top try scorers’ leaderboard so far, a tally he has an opportunity to better come this weekend in the final.
He is definitely doing a tremendous job walking the path paved by his big brother, Timothy Odong, who has taken some significant time away from the game.
Raymond Omara – Fullback, Toyota Buffaloes
For a boy who played his first competitive game of rugby last year in his Senior Six at Makerere College School, if you told Raymond Omara that in less than a year, he would be pacing MACOS legend Josiah Ssempeke and scoring a try in a heated Premiership quarterfinal game, he probably wouldn’t believe you. The fullback got his big break this season when the first-choice 15, Aaron Tukei, went away for the Rugby 7s program. He scored a try in his debut game against the Eagles, and it was in typical Omara fashion, outpacing the opposing winger. He then went on to put in more stellar performances against stronger opposition like against Heathens and KOBs.
Bright Mukisa – Lock/Flanker, Jinja Hippos
When he isn’t putting in hard tackles and big carries, you’ll probably find Bright Mukisa somewhere on the pitch dancing to the music from the stadium speakers. The young lock/flanker who is so full of life has finally come out of his shell this season, becoming a reliable option as a jumper in the line out, and as a part of that Jinja Hippos scrum that has obliterated every other team in the league.
As an aspiring player at Jinja Secondary School in 2023, he appeared for the Baby Rugby Cranes at the U20 Barthes tournament and made his debut against Rhinos when he returned. Two full seasons later, he is almost a complete player, relentless, highly involved at the breakdown and always ready to get into the heads of the opponents; one way or the other.
Rebecca Kabajungu – Winger/Fullback, Black Pearls
Have you seen that tiny bullet fly down the Black Pearls’ wing? That’s Rebecca Kabajungu. The pacey player made her debut for the Pearls in the 2023 Rugby 7s season, aged only 16 years at the time, becoming one of the youngest players at the tournament. Now in her Senior Six, Kabajungu has become a mainstay in the squad, covering both the wings and the full-back position. She has stood out amongst the many youngsters like Lillian Namuddu and Mary Grace Akoth, who have represented the Black Pearls recently. Next stop? National team and beyond.
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