Desire Derekford Mugumisa now leads the legendary Heathens Rugby Football Club. Members elected him chairperson during a pivotal Annual General Meeting last week. The Heathens AGM featured a contested leadership vote and thorough reviews of the club’s operations. Mugumisa earned 66 votes to secure his position. His opponent, Daniel Rweyora, received 43 votes. Importantly, 109 valid votes were cast from 167 eligible members. This strong turnout highlighted membership engagement. The meeting opened traditionally with a prayer. Then, it proceeded to address club affairs from the past year.
Outgoing Leadership Presents Final Report
Outgoing Chairperson Asha Kalanzi delivered the first major report. She expressed gratitude to the players, coaches, and the passionate fan group, ‘The Zone’. Next, she detailed club outreach initiatives. For instance, partnerships with schools like Jinja S Secondary and Upper Hill provide opportunities. University links with St. Lawrence and Victoria University offer player bursaries. Kalanzi also urged members to enroll in free courses. The Uganda Rugby Union and National Council of Sports sponsor these coaching and administration programs. Finally, she extended condolences to members grieving recent losses.
The financial presentation followed Kalanzi’s address. The report showed Platinum Credit as the primary sponsor. Additional support came from the parent Kampala Rugby Club and the Uganda Rugby Union. In 2025, KRFC contributed UGX 16.9 million. Simultaneously, URU subsidies totaled UGX 38.5 million. Expenditure focused heavily on team costs. Allowances for coaches, management, and players consumed UGX 44.9 million. Player transfers required UGX 10.2 million. The finance speaker clearly identified operational issues. Specifically, the club lacked a formal budget and audited books. Therefore, the assembly passed a crucial motion. It empowers the new committee to hire an audit firm for the 2026 financial year.
A Review of the 2025 Campaign
The sporting report outlined a mixed season. Heathens secured a fourth-place finish in the Premiership. However, they achieved second place in the Uganda Cup. The National 7s series also saw them finish as overall runners-up. The club did claim two regional championship titles. A significant mid-season change occurred when Coach Deus replaced Coach Athe. Kalanzi highlighted the rise of promising young players. She also commended the steady performance of senior squad members. Conversely, injuries affected key individuals like Biggie and Innocent. Off the field, commercial activities showed promise. Record replica kit sales and plans for new designs marked positive steps. Yet, challenges remain. The club must solve equipment shortages and improve player welfare packages.
Election Campaigns and New Committee Formation
The election for a new executive committee became the meeting’s central event. Three roles were uncontested. Members elected Martin Namutso as Treasurer. Emmanuel Muhangi will serve as Secretary. Lucy Ssuubi joins as Committee Member for Media, Commercial & Advertising. However, the chairperson race required a ballot. Candidates Daniel Rweyora and Desire Mugumisa presented their cases. Rweyora’s vision centered on player welfare and building strategic partnerships. In contrast, Mugumisa campaigned on his track record and sponsorship acquisition skills. He emphasized his visible support at games and direct advocacy for players.
Mandate for the 2026-2028 Term
The election of Desire Mugumisa as Chairperson of the Heathens RFC was decided by a secret ballot, overseen by a Uganda Rugby Union official. The new executive committee includes Mugumisa, Secretary Emmanuel Muhangi, Treasurer Martin Namutso, Lucy Ssuubi, and Fans’ Representative Edward Kiwanuka. Their immediate tasks involve appointing auditors, improving financial controls, procuring training equipment, and boosting player support. Commercial growth through merchandise and new sponsorships is a key priority. The election reflects a preference for experienced leadership focused on revenue, though the club’s financial dependency on external sources remains a concern. The committee now faces the challenge of implementing the AGM’s discussions into concrete plans.
