The Uganda Schools Selected Rugby Team has successfully qualified for the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival, overcoming various travel disruptions, according to a statement issued by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) on Thursday 18th December 2025.

Their trip to the elite event had been postponed by visa denial issues, which were later sorted out, only to suffer a significant blow through the sudden cancellation of their flight on Uganda Airlines four hours prior to the proposed date for departure.

After conducting intensive consultations, the team was able to travel in three different groups, with the last group arriving in Abu Dhabi on the 18th of December.

The Abu Dhabi World Schools Rugby Festival is one of the most popular international competitions that take place every year in the United Arab Emirates.

The 2025 series, to be held from 14th to 20th December, includes school and academy representative sides from over 15 international nations, competing across a range of age-grade levels.

The tournament is recognized and approved by World Rugby, the international governing authority for the sport, and aims to offer young elite athletes high-level international matches, in addition to cultural exchange opportunities.

Some of the previous participants include famous rugby schools and academies from South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Japan.

“We understand completely the inconvenience this has caused to parties involved,” the URU said in a statement that expressed appreciation for patience.

The organizers of the tournament have accommodated the affected Ugandan national team by rescheduling its initial matches.

The Union reaffirmed its strong commitment to offering international opportunities for the young athletes and urged the nation to rally behind the team.