KRU condoles with Uganda club bombing victims

By BS Mulavi

The Kenya Rugby Union has expressed condolences to the victims of the tragic bombing incidences in Uganda, one of which took place in a rugby club in Kampala on Sunday.

Some fans watching the Fifa World Cup at the Kyadondo Rugby Club were attacked with bombs and KRU Chairman Richard Omwela has expressed relief that none of the Kenyan or Ugandan players were injured in the incident.

The unfortunate event occurred on a weekend when Kenya and Uganda were taking part in the annual Elgon Cup and it was only by a stroke of luck that the final match was being played in Kenya and not in Uganda.

Kenya had played at the fateful venue only a week prior to the incident.

"We sympathise with the Uganda Rugby Union for falling a victim of such a hideous act," said a desolate Omwela.

Omwela, who was visibly shaken by the incident, pondered what the situation would have been had the Kenya team been in Uganda.

He was speaking at the RFUEA Grounds during a post-tournament briefing of the Safaricom Sevens. Omwela, a lawyer by profession, heaped praise on sponsors Safaricom for raising the level of the tournament a notch higher than previous sponsors East Africa Breweries.

"We had a Sh70 million budget for the tournament and we have made a profit of Sh18 million, mostly from the gate collections," Omwela recounted.

"As agreed with Safaricom, 10 per cent of the total money collected will go towards community rugby development, while Sh10 million will go towards paying for the adjacent Uganda grounds."

KRU is embarking on an ambitious expansion project and have already paid Sh32 million for the grounds.

"Our neighbours Impala made us pay more than Sh800,000 for using their ground during the tournament, so we must seek ways to avoid that next season," he said.

Omwela dispelled fears that the Kabeberi and Christie Sevens would not be held this year, saying both tournaments will take place as scheduled, but host clubs will have to respect the title sponsors.