In a landmark move poised to elevate Ugandan rugby to greater heights, the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) and Next Media Services have officially renewed their strategic partnership until 2028. The collaboration, which has played a pivotal role in boosting the sport’s visibility across the country, was announced in a press statement released on April 15, 2025. This renewed alliance reaffirms Next Media’s position as the official broadcast and production partner of URU, operating under its dedicated sports channel, NBS Sport.
The extended partnership builds on a successful three-year tenure that saw exponential growth in local rugby viewership and engagement. As part of the new agreement, NBS Sport will continue to air premier competitions including the Nile Special Rugby Premiership, the National 7s Series, and the Uganda Cup. In a strategic expansion, coverage will now include grassroots development tournaments such as the Uganda Central Schools Rugby Association (USRA) League and university-level championships, both in 7s and XVs formats.
Commenting on the renewal, URU President Godwin Kayangwe lauded the impact of Next Media’s involvement in the sport. “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Next Media Services. Their coverage has greatly increased rugby’s visibility in Uganda. We expect continued growth through this renewed collaboration,” he said. The partnership is widely seen as a significant step toward consolidating rugby’s presence in mainstream Ugandan sports culture.
In a major boost to the regional rugby calendar, NBS Sport has also secured the exclusive broadcast and production rights for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Set to take place in July at the revamped Mandela National Stadium, the tournament doubles as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Next Media Group CEO Kin Karisa reaffirmed the broadcaster’s dedication, stating, “We remain committed to championing Ugandan sports through our platforms. Rugby has grown significantly through our coverage, and we look forward to continuing this momentum.”
The renewed agreement follows high-level strategic talks held in March during the visit of Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, highlighting Uganda’s growing stature in continental rugby. As a member of World Rugby, Rugby Africa, and the Uganda National Council of Sports, URU’s continued partnership with a leading media house underscores its ambition to grow the sport professionally. With this dynamic collaboration, Uganda’s rugby future is looking more formidable than ever.
