Rugby Africa convened its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the organisation’s highest decision-making forum, in Kampala with delegates from 32 Member Unions in attendance.
All resolutions tabled during the meeting were approved by a majority of more than 50 percent of members present and eligible to vote, in line with quorum requirements.
The highlight of the Assembly was the adoption of a new “fit for purpose” Constitution.
The updated framework is aimed at modernising the organisation, strengthening governance standards, and aligning Rugby Africa with best practices in safeguarding, environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility, while keeping the focus on growing and protecting the game across the continent.
Electoral Outcomes
Treasurer Elected: Kevin Venkiah, President of Mauritius Rugby Union, was elected Treasurer of Rugby Africa.
Newly elected Treasurer of Rugby Africa Kevin Venkiah.PHOTO/Rugby Africa
Executive Committee Member Elected: Godwin Kayangwe, President of Uganda Rugby Union, was elected to serve on the Executive Committee (EXCO).
URU President Kayangwe newly elected to serve on the Executive Committee (EXCO).PHOTO/RUGBY AFRIQUE
Constitutional Amendments Adopted
Delegates passed a wide-ranging set of constitutional amendments intended to clarify structures and improve efficiency.
Official Identity Clarified:
The body’s official name was confirmed as “Rugby Africa,” and updated provisions were introduced to allow flexibility in changing its registered address through the General Assembly when necessary.
Clear Definitions Introduced:
Outdated terminology was removed and key terms such as “Constitution,” “General Assembly,” “Executive Committee,” and “Members” were clearly defined.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
The difference between calendar days and working days was formalised, and the term “Independent Member” was introduced to reflect new governance roles.
Regional Structure Revised:
The former “Anglophone” and “Francophone” divisions were replaced with “North” and “South” regional groupings to align with World Rugby’s governance structure.
Meeting Procedures Strengthened
Clear quorum requirements and voting rights were formally outlined.
Timelines for sharing agendas and minutes were standardised.
A formal process for secondment was introduced.
Organisational objectives were expanded to formally include environmental sustainability, safeguarding and player welfare.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah during the 17th AGM in Kampala.PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
Executive Committee Reform
The size of the Executive Committee was defined at between seven and eleven members, comprising four Officers, one to five Ordinary Members and two Independent Members.
The inclusion of Independent Members, appointed based on professional or business expertise, is designed to strengthen oversight and credibility.
A percentage-based gender diversity mechanism was introduced within EXCO, alongside safeguards to promote gender balance in World Rugby Council representation.
Term limits were aligned for all EXCO and Independent Members.
A provision was also added to ensure that an EXCO member automatically vacates office if they no longer hold an elected position within their respective Member Union.
Rugby Africa EXCO members pose for a photo during 17th AGM in Kampala.PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
A new suspension mechanism was introduced to address breaches of the Code of Conduct.
EXCO decisions will mainly be reached through consensus, and where voting is required, outcomes will be recorded as collective decisions to promote unity and shared responsibility.
Outdated provisions related to funding allocation and judicial processes were streamlined to reflect current operational structures.
The reforms mark a major step toward improved governance, transparency and long-term sustainability across Rugby Africa’s 40 Member Unions.
