The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) announced on Friday morning, that the renowned Elgon Cup match between rivals Kenya and Uganda, will not take place for the third consecutive year.
The Elgon Cup is contested between the rugby union teams of Kenya and Uganda. The men’s and women’s teams of these countries each compete annually for their respective cups on a home and away basis. The competition is named after the towering Mount Elgon, a mountain on the border of the two countries.
In a statement read by URU General Secretary Peter Odong, the Kenya Rugby Union said it would be difficult to honor the invitation considering the forthcoming election and prevailing economic constraints.
“Kenya Rugby Union has informed us that with prevailing economic conditions and the looming general elections in their country, they are unfortunately unable to play the Elgon Cup this year,” he said.
It is now widely known that the region has been impacted by inflation, which both countries are currently experiencing. Last month, when Kenya was getting ready to go for the Africa Rugby Cup in France, the Kenya Rugby Union appealed to the general public for donations to aid with the team’s travel expenses.
They had to wait until Teita Sisal Estates, acting through Hildana Lodge, came to their aid and donated KSh10 million, enabling the trip.
With the degree of uncertainty, it brings, the general election set for August 9 just makes everything more difficult. This justifies the ‘loud’ neighbors’ decision to withdraw from the yearly contest.
The first leg of this year’s doubleheader was slated to begin on July 23 at Legends Rugby Club in Kampala, with the return match taking place on July 30 after crossing the border to Kakamega.
After a two-year break, the news disappointed both sets of fans. The Elgon Cup was first held in 2004 with Kenya winning the inaugural competition. Since then, it has been held 14 times with Kenya winning 12 times to Uganda’s two victories in 2006 and 2012.
2020 Cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic
2021: Cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic
2022:Cancelled due to economic restrictions and Kenya general elections
