Zakia Kulabako’s Vision for Rugby Growth in Uganda Through…

Zakia Kulabako, a prominent advocate for rugby in Uganda, aims to make the sport national through the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. She has been instrumental in promoting rugby in schools and has successfully secured guidance from experienced alumni to enhance her skills in administration and sponsorship. Kulabako envisions year-round engagement in rugby, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie that the sport fosters. Her initiatives illustrate a commitment to growing women’s participation and advancing rugby’s popularity in Uganda.

Zakia Kulabako possesses ambitious aspirations for the growth of rugby in Uganda and believes that her involvement in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme will be instrumental in achieving these goals. Despite never having played rugby, Kulabako’s fervor for the sport originated in 2008, when she became the team manager for KOBs, a notable rugby club in Uganda.

Kulabako’s objective is to elevate rugby’s status in Uganda, envisioning it as the nation’s predominant sport in the future. She is actively working with the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) to introduce rugby in more educational institutions. “I would love it to be like New Zealand where shops close when there’s a rugby game,” she expressed, emphasizing the competition with football but noting the potential for rugby to thrive on existing football facilities.

Her path to the Capgemini programme was paved with challenges, having applied unsuccessfully twice before being selected early in 2023, which she described as a source of immense pride. The scholarship’s competitive nature made her acceptance particularly meaningful, especially as she had no prior playing experience. “To get a chance to be part of this scholarship against all those odds; the fact that I’ve never played the game. I just love the game,” she conveyed.

Zakia Kulabako has also benefited from the mentorship of Regina Lunyolo, the first Ugandan participant in the programme, who recognized her administrative potential and guided her transition towards integrating sponsorship into rugby. Kulabako’s background in business and events management has been essential in her work, and participating in the leadership programme further enhanced her skills through access to the Capgemini University, enabling her to undertake relevant courses.

Additionally, she has initiated a variety of rugby-centric events to bolster participation in Uganda. Notably, discussions with programme alumni, such as Barbara Pichot, have inspired her to develop structures that encourage female participation in rugby. Kulabako aims to establish a women’s franchise competition, showcasing her commitment to expanding the sport’s recognition.

The ultimate goal for Kulabako is to ensure rugby is played year-round in Uganda, thereby increasing the number of participants. While the outcome remains to be seen, there is unwavering confidence among Kulabako and her peers regarding their collaborative efforts.

In October 2023, Kulabako attended the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Summit in Paris, which she described as enriching, echoing the core values of camaraderie she first connected with when joining rugby in 2008. She cherishes the brotherly bond fostered through the sport, stating, “You’re literally enemies in those 80 minutes but the moment the final whistle is blown, there’s a brotherhood that shows up,” illustrating the unique, powerful community present within rugby beyond competition.

Zakia Kulabako exemplifies the potential for transformative leadership within Ugandan rugby, harnessing her experiences from the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. Her initiatives aim to elevate the sport’s status nationally by increasing youth engagement and fostering female participation. As she continually draws inspiration from her mentors and the larger rugby community, Kulabako is determined to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes the sport year-round, reaffirming her belief that rugby serves a greater purpose beyond individual competition.

Original Source: www.women.rugby