Zakia Kulabako aims to develop rugby in Uganda through the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. Although she has no playing experience, she has worked as a team manager and on the Uganda Rugby Union committee. Her goals include increasing rugby participation and promoting women’s competitions. With support and skills gained from the programme, she is driven to elevate rugby’s status in Uganda.
Zakia Kulabako aims to enhance the rugby landscape in Uganda through her participation in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. Despite not being a player, her journey in rugby began in 2008 as the team manager of KOBs, one of Uganda’s oldest clubs, igniting her passion for the sport.
Her goal is to elevate rugby’s profile in Uganda, aspiring for it to become the national sport. Kulabako, with her role on the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) executive committee, is actively promoting rugby in schools, competing with the dominant football culture. She envisions a scenario similar to New Zealand, advocating for widespread accessibility to rugby resources, including equipment for schools.
After applying twice, Kulabako expressed pride in joining the Capgemini programme, especially considering her non-playing background. She values her selection as an achievement, emphasizing the significance of being chosen from numerous applicants, showcasing her dedication to rugby despite initial setbacks.
Kulabako has received support from Regina Lunyolo, the first Ugandan alumni of the programme, who recognized her potential and guided her transition from team management to fundraising for rugby. This mentorship has been pivotal in her professional growth.
As a business, events, and asset manager, Kulabako’s experience has been enhanced by the skills gained from the Capgemini University. She has taken online courses in project and financial management, applying this knowledge directly to her work, which intertwines her professional life with rugby.
Her ambitions extend to creating a women’s franchise competition in Uganda, fueled by ideas shared within the Capgemini alumni network. Kulabako has learned from successful alumni, refining her strategies to promote women’s rugby through initiatives such as tournaments.
She aims for increased rugby participation throughout the year and believes her and her peers’ efforts will yield positive changes. Her experience at the recent Capgemini Leadership Summit in Paris invigorated her passion for rugby, reaffirming her commitment to building a strong community around the sport.
Kulabako appreciates the unique camaraderie in rugby, describing it as a bond that transcends competition. This spirit is central to her love for rugby, as she values the sense of family and support that emerges among players, reinforcing her belief in the sport’s collective strength.
Zakia Kulabako is committed to advancing rugby in Uganda through strategic initiatives and personal growth facilitated by the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme. Her vision embraces inclusivity, youth engagement, and women’s participation, indicating a promising future for rugby in Uganda. Kulabako’s journey highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and shared expertise as she works towards making rugby a celebrated sport in her nation, driven by a belief in its transformative power.
Original Source: www.women.rugby
