In a closely contested election, Desire Derekford Mugumisa has been elected as the new chairperson of the storied Heathens Rugby Football Club. The vote was the climax of the club’s Annual General Meeting. This gathering reviewed a season of strong performance and ongoing financial challenges. Mugumisa secured 66 votes to defeat candidate Daniel Rweyora, who received 43 votes. The Heathens RFC AGM saw 109 valid votes cast from 167 eligible members. This turnout signals robust engagement from the club’s constituency. The meeting began with a prayer. Subsequently, it covered comprehensive reports from the outgoing executive committee.
Outgoing Committee Reviews Season and Partnerships
Outgoing Chairperson Asha Kalanzi presented a detailed address. First, she thanked players, the technical team, and the devoted fan base known as ‘The Zone’. She then highlighted key club activities. These included education and outreach partnerships with institutions like Ginger S Secondary School and Upper Hill. Partnerships also extended to St. Lawrence University and Victoria University. These collaborations facilitate player bursaries and academic pursuits. Additionally, Kalanzi encouraged members to undertake free coaching courses. She also mentioned sports administration courses offered by the Uganda Rugby Union and the National Council of Sports. Finally, her address included condolences to members who had lost loved ones over the past year.
Financial Review Reveals Funding Sources and Challenges
The financial report, presented by Andrew, outlined the club’s income and expenditure. Primary funding sources were title sponsor Platinum Credit, the parent body Kampala Rugby Club (KRFC), and subsidies from the Uganda Rugby Union (URU). In 2025, KRFC contributed UGX 16.9 million. Meanwhile, URU provided UGX 38.5 million. Major expenditures included allowances for coaches, management, and players. This total reached UGX 44.9 million. Player transfers cost UGX 10.2 million. Welfare spending was UGX 1.5 million. Operational costs amounted to UGX 950,000. The report candidly noted significant challenges. Specifically, the club operated without a formal budget. It also lacked audited financial books. Consequently, members passed a critical motion. This motion authorizes the new executive committee to appoint an audit firm for the 2026 financial year.
On-Field Success and Operational Hurdles
Continuing her report, Chairperson Kalanzi reviewed the 2025 sporting season. The Heathens finished fourth in the Premiership. They also were runners-up in both the Uganda Cup and the National 7s overall standings. Furthermore, the team won two regional championships. The season included a mid-season coaching change. Coach Tolbert took over from Coach Athio. Kalanzi praised the emergence of young talent. She also noted the consistency of senior players and improved team discipline. However, she highlighted injury challenges for key players like Biggie and Innocent. Off the field, social media management and commercial activities received praise. Replica kit sales hit a record high. New designs are also planned. Challenges cited included a shortage of training equipment. The club also recognizes a need to improve player welfare and allowances.
Leadership Election Dominates Heathens RFC AGM
The election of a new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term formed the core of the meeting’s agenda. Several positions were filled unopposed. Martin Namutso became Treasurer. Emmanuel Muhangi took the role of Secretary. Lucy Ssuubi joined as Committee Member for Media, Commercial & Advertising. However, the chairperson position was contested. The two candidates were Daniel Rweyora and Desire Derekford Mugumisa. Each candidate delivered a campaign speech outlining their vision. Rweyora focused on a player-first philosophy. He also emphasized strengthening partnerships and improving player welfare through structured support for life beyond rugby. Conversely, Mugumisa highlighted his existing service and passion. He pointed to his consistent presence at games. Moreover, he cited his support for welfare and his role in securing incoming sponsorships for the club.
New Executive Committee Sets Agenda
A secret ballot supervised by a Uganda Rugby Union returning officer elected Desire Derekford Mugumisa as chairperson of Heathens RFC for the 2026โ2028 term. He leads a new executive committee that includes Emmanuel Muhangi (Secretary), Martin Namutso (Treasurer), Lucy Ssuubi (Committee Member), and Edward Kiwanuka (Fansโ Representative).
The new leadership takes over a successful club facing financial and operational challenges, including the need for an audit, improved financial controls, better equipment provision, and enhanced player welfare. Members signaled a desire for continuity in sponsorship and commercial efforts, with expectations high for the committee to strengthen revenue streams, complete the mandated audit, and deliver ahead of the new season, backed by strong support from the clubโs fan base.
