Uganda: Next Media's Desire Mugumisa Elected New Heathens Rugby Club Chairman

26 January 2026
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Samuel Muhimba

Heathens Rugby Club have elected Desire Derekford Mugumisa as their new chairman for the 2026-2028 term following a closely contested vote at the club's Annual General Meeting held at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday.

Mugumisa, who is the Head of Corporate Affairs at Next Media, won a secret ballot election conducted among eligible voters, including players, team management, the outgoing executive committee (EXCOM) and subscribed fans.

According to results announced at the AGM, Mugumisa polled 66 votes against Rweyora's 43. Out of 167 eligible voters, 109 cast valid votes, with no invalid or spoilt ballots recorded.

The election comes after a difficult 2025 season in which Heathens, the most decorated rugby club in Uganda, failed to win a trophy.

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Speaking after his election, Mugumisa said, "I am absolutely honoured to have yesterday been elected Chairman of Heathens RFC (2026 to 2028). Asante sana to my Heathens community."

He called for unity within the club as a new chapter begins.

"We now move forward as one club, free of camps, and whatever grudges that would otherwise come from these exercises," he said.

Mugumisa outlined key priorities for his tenure, focusing on performance, governance and fan engagement.

"Winning rugby, bigger fan numbers, better matchday experiences, clear accountability will be top of my personal agenda as we execute our Strategic Plan that shall be agreed on soon."

He also appealed to sponsors and partners to work closely with the club.

"To sponsors and partners, both current and potential, the goal is to build great value together," Mugumisa said, before summing up his vision as:

"Standards. Structure. Future-Ready."

The AGM also ushered in a new executive committee to serve alongside Mugumisa. The newly elected EXCOM for the 2026-2028 term includes Lucy Ssuubi as committee member in charge of media, commercial and advertising, Emmanuel Muhangi as secretary, Martin Namutso as treasurer, and Edward Kiwanuka as fans' representative.

The meeting was attended by Heathens players, team management, outgoing EXCOM members, representatives of the Heathens Fanzone, Uganda Rugby Union officials and members of the media. Proceedings included presentations from the outgoing executive committee and the election of the new leadership tasked with steering the club forward over the next two years.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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