Years ago, Ali Ongima was carrying water and setting up cones. On 29th August 2026, the West Nile-born rugby player was scoring tries for Stanbic Black Pirates.
Popularly known as “Papa,” Ongima began his rugby journey as a waterboy and cone boy with Stanbic Black Pirates and even two years ago he was still proudly waving the Pirates flag .
He kept showing his continued connection and loyalty to the club, his story is one of patience, perseverance and a dream that refused to disappear.
The journey took another important turn in 2024 , showing his continued connection and loyalty to the club. when Ongima earned a scholarship to Laiser Hill Academy in Nairobi Kenya giving the West Nile talent an opportunity to further develop his rugby.
Image ; Ali Ongima during school competitions
After high school and years of being around the Pirates setup, Ongima finally got his chance to wear the club jersey competitively.
At the Lawii Rwodi 7s in Gulu on 29th August 2026, he made his Stanbic Black Pirates debut and immediately made his presence felt.
Two tries. Four conversions.
Image ; Ongima with the rugby ball on his debut
For a player who once stood on the sidelines carrying water and setting cones, it was a debut worth remembering.
The Pirates, however, finished fourth at the Lawii Rwodi 7s while Platinum Credit Heathens claimed the title, followed by Toyota Buffaloes in second and Plascon Mongers in third.
While the team missed out on the podium, Ongima walked away with something perhaps even more significant which was a personal breakthrough on the field.
His journey from West Nile to the Pirates, from waterboy and cone boy to a 7s debutant, is a powerful reminder that sporting dreams do not always happen overnight.
Sometimes, you have to wait years, start from the sidelines , and when your moment finally arrives, you simply have to make it count.
The Uganda Rugby 7s Series now moves to the Kyabazinga 7s in Bugembe on September 12th –13th, before the series concludes with the Kabaka Coronation 7s Grand Finale at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on September 19th – 20th.
PHOTO CREDIT : Hassan Omar
