No sooner had Impis cleared the air that they were going to show up at the Kyadondo Rugby Grounds than defending champions Heathens launched their Uganda Cup title defense with a commanding 29–6 win over a determined Makerere Impis side.
The Impis struck first, capitalizing on Heathens’ slow start with two early penalty kicks for a 6–0 lead. But the champions soon settled.
Michael Wokorach ignited the comeback with the first try before Michael Amollo powered over for another, though Joseph Oyet missed both conversions.
By halftime, Heathens had turned the game around, leading 10–6 after Daniel Otema added a third try and Oyet finally found his range.
The second half was all Heathens. Aaron Ofwoyirwoth crossed the line for their fourth try, and Oyet capped off the afternoon with a late try and conversion to seal a dominant victory and a confident start to their title defense.
At the same venue, Buffaloes were ruthless, cruising past their opponents 63–7 after leading 22–7 at halftime.
In the other games across the grounds;
Men.
- Elgon Wolves RFC 00–20 Victoria Sharks
- Kakira RFC Simbas 00–20 KOBs
- Kyambogo Rugby 07–63 Buffaloes RFC
- Gulu City Falcons RFC 33–38 Hippos Rugby
- Rhinos Rugby 15–09 Warriors Rugby
- Kigezi Silverbacks 09–154 Black Pirates Rugby
- Walukuba Barbarians 14–27 Plascon Mongers
Women
- Kigezi Queens 00–81 Avengers RFC
- She Wolves RFC 13–15 Ewes Rugby
- Nile Rapids RFC 12–16 Panthers Rugby
The Uganda Cup, traditionally the curtain-raiser to the rugby season, returns after last year’s postponement due to funding challenges.
With 20 men’s and 7 women’s teams taking part, the competition promises another chapter, one that Heathens have already begun to write in familiar, winning fashion.
