Uganda to Host 2026 Africa U20 Barthés Trophy in Hoima

Uganda Rugby Union (UR) has responded to the call by National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel for federations to utilize newly constructed stadiums by hosting international events.

URU President Godwin Kayangwe confirmed that Uganda will host the 2026 Africa U20 Barthés Trophy at Hoima City Stadium in August.

“Uganda won the bid to host the 2026 edition of the event, and we have chosen Hoima City Stadium as the venue,” Kayangwe said, outlining the Union’s plans beyond the domestic league.

The decision aligns with Ogwel’s appeal to sports federations to embrace the country’s new sports infrastructure by attracting international competitions. Kayangwe described Hoima City Stadium as a modern, high-tech facility capable of hosting international sporting events beyond football.

He emphasized that staging such tournaments will help Uganda recover part of the construction costs through tourism, business activity, and non-tax revenue to the national treasury.

Uganda’s history with the Barthés Trophy

The U20 Barthés Trophy, organized annually by Rugby Africa, features national Under-20 teams from across the continent. Uganda first hosted the tournament in 2007, finishing second in Division B as Namibia claimed the top-tier crown. In 2014, Uganda hosted again and emerged champions after finishing runners-up in 2013.

The winner of the Barthés Trophy qualifies for the following year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy, organised by World Rugby.

As hosts, Uganda will compete against a strong field of national U20 teams including Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Senegal, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia, making up nine teams in total. Namibia are the reigning Division A champions after their victory in Zimbabwe last year, while Zimbabwe hold the Division B title following their triumph in Kenya.