The Emirates Dubai 7s have recently returned to Dubai after another insightful and impactful trip to Mbale in Uganda to see how the money raised at the Emirates Dubai 7s Long Lunch is being put to important use.

Dubai 7s for Good was launched in 2021 with the aim to be purpose-driven and deliver a CSR programme with legacy, using sport as a vehicle. Over AED1.1million has been raised since the initiative began, all of which so far has been used to help North Road Primary in Mbale upgrade its sport and coaching facilities, and to give back to the community.  For the last 3 years, the Emirates Dubai 7s team have visited the school to meet the children and teachers at North Road and to assist with the renovation and projects that are taking place as a result of the money raised. Every year, the money is put towards specific deliverables to tangibly improve the infrastructure, community and sport at the school.

For 2024, the priorities for the money raised at the Long Lunch 2023 were the following:

New rugby pitch:

A brand new 70m x 100m rugby pitch has been implemented in the place of the previous grounds, including goals and field lining which can be adapted to multi-sports, and a sprinkler system to ensure survival during dry season.

Bleachers for spectators:

Permanent 2,000-capacity bleachers for spectators have been built, including a shading structure. 

Teacher’s quarters: 

The previous teachers' quarters at North Road were desperate for a renovation. The project has replaced the walls and the ceiling to prevent leakage, as well as providing replacement doors, windows and toilets.

Throughout their week at the school, the Emirates Dubai 7s team helped with digging the draining ditch as part of the staff kitchen renovation, and painted the new grandstand in time for the multi-school rugby tournament that North Road hosted whilst they were there. 30 teams competed in front of a crowd of 2,500 kids on the new stand. Mike, Matt and Helen also ran rugby coaching clinics for 3 days for the local sport teachers for the top rugby club in the region - who have teams for men and women as well as the school. 

We are looking forward to the next Long Lunch this September, when hopefully even more invaluable money will be raised to improve the school even further.