The Uganda Cup kicked off on Saturday with four scheduled men’s preliminary games, but only two were played.

Twenty (20) men’s teams were confirmed to participate in a group phase, but due to financial constraints, the tournament changed to a knockout format.

Even with that change to reduce the number of games and consequently manage travel and expenses, there were still two walkovers on the opening weekend.

The Entebbe Jaguars were meant to host the Kitgum Lions while Rams had to travel to Kabale to play the Kigezi Silverbacks, but both teams failed to honour the away fixtures.

Uganda Rugby recognised the challenges facing the clubs and committed a subsidy of 50% on transport and 60% on accommodation, but there are more expenses like meals and medical that the clubs need to cover.

Whereas the subsidy from Uganda Rugby has significantly increased in recent years, it is still not enough to support the clubs. Using a case study of Rams RFC, they would have to spend more than 4.5 million to travel and play in Kabale. 

The expenditure on Transport (2,500,000/=), meals and refreshments (1,140,000/=), accommodation (780,000/=) and medical supplies (150,000/=) brings the total to 4,570,000/=. For context, Uganda Rugby would provide only 1,718,000/= of that budget.

In the games that were played, the Gulu City Falcons defeated Mukono Hawks 40-15 to advance to the Round of 16 to face KOBs.

In the east, the Mbale Elephants schooled Fort Portal Tyrants with a dominant 33-00 victory and will face the Black Pirates next.

The Uganda Cup continues with the Round of 16 on Saturday, October 31.