The race for promotion to the top-tier Uganda 7s Series reached its climax last weekend at the Ruga Ruga Sports Complex in Busukuma, where the 2026 Core Status Qualifiers were held to determine the teams replacing this season’s relegated sides.
During the 2025 National Uganda Rugby 7s Series, Gulu City Falcons and Elgon Wolves (men), together with She Wolves (women), were relegated after finishing at the bottom of the standings.
The one-day qualifier tournament featured eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, each representing the top performers from their respective regions.
In the women’s round-robin tournament, Ewes emerged dominant after winning all their matches against Mbale Eagles, Kitgum Queens, and Kigezi Queens, securing the single available slot for core status in next year’s series.
The men’s category saw a thrilling final between Victoria University (VU) Sharks and Mbale Elephants, with the Sharks edging their opponents 12-07 to claim the title.
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Both sides, however, earned promotion by virtue of reaching the final.
For Ewes, VU Sharks, and Mbale Elephants, the 2026 season will mark their first appearance as core teams in the national sevens circuit.
The VU Sharks, who dominated the Central Region qualifiers, continued their fine form by sweeping through their pool matches against Mbale Elephants, Buddu Bears, and Lira Bulls before defeating Njeru Hurricanes in the semifinals.
Their rise comes after narrowly missing out last year, while Mbale Elephants secured their spot with a 12-07 semifinal victory over Impis, capping off an impressive campaign that now earns them a well-deserved place among Uganda’s elite sevens teams.
