Fresh from clinching the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership title, Stanbic Black Pirates paid a courtesy visit to Next Media Park, where they were received by the media house's leadership and congratulated on another successful season.
Next Media, through Next Radio, is one of the club's partners and has supported the Pirates throughout their championship campaign.
Speaking during the visit, Next Media Group Chief Executive Officer Kin Kariisa congratulated the team on winning the league title, describing the achievement as a fitting start to the company's 18th anniversary celebrations.
“Congratulations on being crowned champions. As we begin celebrating 18 years of NBS, I can’t think of a better way to kick off the celebrations than by hosting champions. It is a proud moment for us to see our partners achieve excellence, and we are delighted to celebrate this success with the Stanbic Black Pirates,” Kariisa said.
On behalf of the team, the Stanbic Black Pirates captain thanked Next Media and Next Radio for their continued support throughout the season.
“We are grateful to Next Media and Next Radio for standing with us throughout the season. Your consistent support has meant a great deal to us, and you’ve been a partner we can always rely on. We’re proud to celebrate this championship with you and appreciate everything you’ve done for the club,” he said.
While celebrating their league triumph, the club also used the occasion to highlight the legacy of teammate Sydney Gongodyo, whose death in June shocked Uganda's rugby community.
The Pirates have since launched the #SydneyIsMe campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness against mob justice while mobilising support for Gongodyo's family and promoting respect for human life and the rule of law.
As part of the campaign, the club will hold the Sydney Gongodyo Memorial Walk on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The walk will begin at TMT Atrium in Ntinda and conclude at Kings Park Arena, bringing together players, supporters, partners and members of the public to honour Gongodyo's life and legacy.
Club officials said the initiative seeks to use the influence of sport to encourage peaceful communities and reject acts of mob violence.
The visit also reaffirmed the partnership between Next Media and the Stanbic Black Pirates, with both organisations highlighting the role of sport and media in inspiring communities and supporting causes beyond competition.
As celebrations for the league title continue, the Pirates have called on Ugandans to join the #SydneyIsMe campaign, honour Sydney Gongodyo's memory and stand against mob justice.
