Buffaloes Rugby Club came from behind to beat Makerere Impis 20-11 and take a valuable advantage in the first leg of their 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership semifinal at the Graveyard in Makerere on Saturday.
The match began with a minute of silence in memory of fallen Black Pirates player Sydney Gogondyo before attention shifted to the battle on the pitch.
Impis, backed by their home supporters, made the stronger start and led 8-6 at halftime. The hosts looked on course to continue their impressive run, but Buffaloes had other ideas.
The visitors returned from the break with renewed energy and gradually took control of the contest. Their disciplined second-half display turned the game around as they overturned the deficit and pulled away for a 20-11 victory thanks to the accurate kicking of Yasin Waiswa.
It was the first time this season that Impis had lost a halftime lead to Buffaloes. A similar pattern emerged when the two sides met in Game Week Nine, where Impis led 7-0 at the break before Buffaloes stormed back to win 24-7 thanks to a strong impact from the bench .
The latest victory gives Buffaloes a nine-point cushion ahead of next week’s return leg at Kyadondo Rugby Club, where a place in the final will be decided.
Despite the setback, Impis remain one of the stories of the season. Relegated in 2024, they earned promotion through the Championship playoffs and have continued to exceed expectations. Their quarterfinal victory over KOBs showed the resilience that has defined their campaign.
With the second leg still to come, Buffaloes hold the advantage, but Impis have already proved this season that they are capable of fighting their way back.
