The year is 1998, a sunny Tuesday evening at Kampala Rugby Club. As newly formed Black Pirates RFC go through their paces, an imposing figure saunters onto the field. Bulging muscles make his 6’4″, 105kg frame look more imposing, a reminder of his affinity for physical exercise in the gym.

Henry Rujumba was unmistakable on the field, carrying himself with the confidence of a supreme athlete in a physically demanding sport. A product of Ntare School, he shared the school pitch with URU President Kayangwe Godwin, Black Pirates Head Coach Bobby Musinguzi and former Kobs head coach Fred Mudoola. It is, however, his exploits for club and country that the late Rujumba is most fondly remembered for. Blessed with speed and power to spare, Rujumba was nicknamed the ‘Ugandan Lomu’ as he pummeled opponents into submission, both locally and internationally.

Rujumba was part of the Uganda Rugby Cranes that 1st defeated the mighty Kenyan Simbas in Nairobi in 2002, in a game where he single handedly took on the fabled Kenyan backrow of the two Otienos and Ayimba. His physical bulk belied a jolky disposition that endeared Henry Rujumba to friend and foe alike. A true superstar and a gentleman, he redefined every position he played at, from wing to lock. He eventually swapped his boots for a role in academia, where he excelled as a lecturer at Kampala University. It is his enduring legacy that he inspired many of us to conquer our fears and become better players, and perhaps better men. As his former club, Black Pirates, we have since dedicated our annual 7’s circuit to his memory, the 5th installment of which happens on Saturday, 15th June 2019, at Kings Park Arena Bweyogerere, with special focus on raising awareness around mental health issues.