Why Uganda will not feature in the 2026 Africa Men’s 7s

The 2026 Africa Men's Sevens Championship has been dealt a major blow, ahead of kick-off, after Uganda Rugby announced that the Rugby Cranes Sevens will not participate in the tournament, slated for Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 in Mauritius.

This is due to travel restrictions linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region.

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The continental showpiece will bring together 12 of Africa's top men's sevens teams in a battle for continental supremacy and qualification opportunities on the global stage.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 10 June, Uganda Rugby confirmed that the Rugby Cranes Sevens had been forced to withdraw following temporary entry restrictions imposed by Mauritian authorities.

"Uganda Rugby would like to inform stakeholders and fans that the Rugby Cranes 7s will not participate in the 2026 Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens," the federation said.

According to the statement signed by Uganda Rugby president Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe, Mauritius has temporarily prohibited entry for foreign nationals travelling from, transiting through, or who have recently been present in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.

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As of June 2026, Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared the wider regional situation, which originated in neighbouring DRC, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting several countries to enhance public health measures and border controls.

Uganda Rugby said player welfare remained the federation's priority despite the disappointment of missing one of the continent's premier rugby events.

"We remain committed to the safety of our players, staff and supporters and will provide updates as discussions progress," the statement added.

The federation further revealed that discussions involving Rugby Africa and the tournament committee were ongoing to explore alternative qualification pathways relating to HSBC Division Three qualification.

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Following Uganda's withdrawal, tournament organisers moved quickly to fill the vacancy, confirming that Senegal would replace the East Africans in the competition.

In a tournament update released by the Mauritius Sevens organising committee, officials said travel restrictions had made it impossible for Uganda to participate.

"Due to travel restrictions currently in place, Uganda will no longer be able to participate in the Mauritius 7s, the Official Africa Men's Sevens 2026. As a result, Senegal will replace Uganda in the tournament," the organisers said.

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Tournament organisers also thanked Uganda Rugby, its players, staff and supporters for their cooperation and understanding, expressing hope of welcoming the team back at a future edition.

Uganda had initially been drawn in Pool B alongside Madagascar, Ghana, and Tunisia. Senegal is now expected to take their place in the group.

Africa Men's Sevens 2026 Pools

Pool A

South Africa

Zambia

Nigeria

Mauritius (Hosts)

Pool B

Madagascar

Senegal

Ghana

Tunisia

Pool C

Zimbabwe

Kenya

Burkina Faso

Morocco