Defending champions Black Pirates began their Uganda Rugby Premiership 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 26–24 victory over long-time rivals KOBs in a thrilling opening-round clash played at Kings Park Arena.
The closely contested encounter lived up to its billing, with both sides trading points throughout the match. Pirates were driven by tries from Frank Kidega, Haruna Muhammad, Eliphaz Emong and Desire Ayera. William Nkore was clinical off the tee, slotting three conversions to ensure the champions walked away with maximum points.
Despite the narrow defeat, KOBs matched the champions stride for stride, keeping the contest alive until the final whistle.
Elsewhere, Victoria Sharks produced one of the standout performances of the weekend, cruising to a 29–10 win over Rhinos. The Sharks’ attack was spearheaded by Otai Ivan and Allan Olango, who each crossed the whitewash twice, while Daniel Kateregga added another try.
Kateregga also converted once, with Warren Kamadi adding a single conversion.
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At Kyadondo, Buffaloes accelerated from a halftime slim lead to beat Hippos 40–17. Buffaloes led 17–10 at the break after tries from Fat Moses, Watmon Takan, Rodney Tukei and Aaron, with Yasin Wasswa converting.
Buffaloes then dominated the second half, running in a flurry of tries to secure a commanding win.
Impis were in ruthless form as they dismantled Warriors 44–15, while Heathens also began strongly with a 34–13 victory over Kakira.
The weekend delivered another nail-biter at Kyadondo when Mongers edged Walukuba 28–27.
UGANDA RUGBY PREMIERSHIP
WEEK 1 RESULTS
WOMEN | 7TH FEB
Nile Rapids 22–13 Thunderbirds
Black Pearls 28–13 Ewes
She Wolves 12–00 Panthers
MEN | 7TH FEB
Pirates 26–24 KOBs
Impis 44–15 Warriors
Heathens 34–13 Kakira
Walukuba 27–28 Mongers
Rhinos 10–29 Victoria Sharks
Hippos 17–40 Buffaloes
