Uganda head coach Allan Otim has named a 13-man squad for the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens, which will be held at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11.
The Ugandans have been placed in a tough Pool A, where they will face defending champions Kenya Shujaa, Scotland and SportPesa Forward Legends in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
Otim has made several changes to the team that featured in the recent World Rugby SVNS 3 Qualifiers held in Kampala, with seven players missing from the squad selected for the Nairobi tournament.
ALSO READ: 2026 Safari 7s: Order of play, kick off times & participating teams
Among those rested are Uganda’s overall captain Ian Munyani, vice-captain Alex Aturinda, Desire Ayera, Roy Kizito, Nobert Okeny and Denis Etwau.
With the senior players given a break, Ivan Bulima has been handed the captaincy and will lead Uganda during their Safari Sevens campaign. Karim Arinaitwe has been named his deputy.
Despite the changes, Uganda have retained a number of players who featured in the SVNS 3 Qualifiers.
Allan Olango, Shakim Ssembusi, Malcolm Okello, Aaron Tukei and Daniel Otim remain part of the setup and will provide valuable experience to a squad that also includes several new faces.
Otim has used the tournament to give opportunities to six players who have been brought into the national team setup.
Yasin Waiswa, Watmon Fat Moses, Patrick Okello, Aine Darren, Openy Alphones and Yusuf Ssemakula have all received call-ups as Uganda seek to build greater depth in their 7s programme.
The Safari Sevens will give the Ugandans an opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest opposition in the competition. Their Pool A assignment is particularly demanding, with Kenya Shujaa entering the tournament as defending champions.
The tournament will also provide the Ugandan technical bench with an opportunity to assess the new-look squad ahead of future international assignments.
Uganda will be hoping the blend of experienced players and newcomers can produce a strong showing in Nairobi as they look to make an impact in the 2026 Safari Sevens.
Uganda 7s squad for Safari Sevens 2026
Playing squad
- Ivan Bulima – Captain
- Karim Arinaitwe – Vice-Captain
- Yasin Waiswa
- Allan Olango
- Watmon Fat Moses
- Daniel Otim
- Malcolm Okello
- Patrick Okello
- Shakim Ssembusi
- Aaron Tukei
- Aine Darren
- Openy Alphones
- Yusuf Ssemakula
Management
- Head Coach: Allan Otim
- Team Physio: Samuel Asiimwe
- Team Manager: Michael Wandera