Ugandan comedian Patrick Salvado has left fans in stitches after hilariously blaming Kenya’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal victory over Uganda on the recent wave of anti-government protests in Kenya.
In a now-viral interview, Salvado joked that Kenyans arrived on the pitch carrying the rage of their maandamano (protests) and unleashed it on the Ugandan team, resulting in a narrow but dramatic 32-34 defeat for the hosts.
“First of all, these people are just from rioting. What did you expect? They have brought their anger from their country to ours. For us we are peaceful, we are calm. They came with their maandamano and disorganized us,” the comedian quipped.
The match, held at Uganda’s Namboole Stadium on July 8, 2025, ended Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Despite a valiant effort, the Rugby Cranes were unable to overcome the fast start and tactical discipline of Kenya’s Simbas.
However, Kenya’s World Cup dream was short-lived. On Sunday, July 13, the Simbas were knocked out in the semi-finals after a 29-23 loss to a highly efficient Zimbabwean side at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The Simbas, who were eyeing their third Rugby Africa Cup title, put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short.
Their previous titles came in 2011, when they defeated Tunisia 16-7 in Nairobi, and in 2013, when they beat Zimbabwe 29-17 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The Rugby Africa Cup serves as the only qualification pathway for African nations hoping to compete in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Only the tournament champion earns a direct World Cup slot.
The runner-up, however, advances to a cross-regional playoff against the second-placed team from the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship.
The winner of that playoff proceeds to the final qualification tournament, which offers a last chance to secure a spot in the global event.