Founded last year by Victoria University management to boost the sports culture, rugby team Victoria Sharks is quickly becoming a formidable force in Ugandan rugby.
Upon its formation, the Kyadondo-based team launched a recruitment drive that brought in several young talents on loan, offering them study scholarships in return for their representation.
Notable additions included experienced coach Kevin Makmot, captain Isaac Tago from Warriors, Peter Bisaso from Platinum Credit Heathens, Vernon Kasule from KCB KOBS, and Brian Buk from Plascon Mongers.
Other promising players such as Calvin Gizamba, Daniel Kateregga, Aaron Tukei, Solomon Agani, Steven Kalema, and Daniel Ebau have also strengthened the university’s sevens side, enhancing the squad’s quality.
With a structured setup, the team went unbeaten in the central region league, securing the single slot for the core status qualifiers ahead of Kyambogo RFC.
In the decisive qualifiers, featuring regional winners from the north (Gulu City Falcons), west (Kigezi Silverbacks), and east (Elgon Wolves), the Sharks triumphed in all three games, finishing top of the log and earning promotion to the top flight alongside Elgon Wolves.
Captain Isaac Tago credited the club’s success to its management, stating, “It has been a long journey with ups and downs, but we managed to make it. Thanks to management, they have supported us and provided many players with opportunities through study scholarships.”
As the team prepares for the Nile Special Rugby Championship next season, Tago is confident about their prospects, saying, “We are looking forward to tussling it out with the big boys. We are not just coming to participate but to compete for the trophy. We aim to add players and build two teams, targeting both seasoned players and those seeking academic excellence.”
The two promoted sides, Victoria Sharks and Elgon Wolves, replace the relegated Makerere sides, Impis and Life Guard Rams, who lost their relegation playoffs earlier this month.
