Defending champions Black Pirates made it two wins from two in the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership after edging Buffaloes 23-17 at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday.
Pirates were sharp from the start. In the fifth minute, Haruna Muhammad broke through for the opening try, with William Nkore adding the conversion.
Buffaloes hit back almost immediately through Moses Olweni to show they were up for the fight.
Pirates then took control. Two penalties pushed them further ahead before Ivan Kabagambe powered over for another try late in the first half.
Karuhanga Allan added a fourth before the break as the Sea Robbers went into halftime firmly in charge at 23-5.
Buffaloes returned a different side. Daniel Otim crossed in the 46th minute to spark the comeback, and the visitors began to dominate territory and possession.
With ten minutes left, Aaron Wanyoto scored to cut the gap to six points and set up a tense finish.
Buffaloes pressed for a levelling try, but Pirates’ defence held firm to secure a hard earned 23-17 victory.
Assistant coach Martin Karugonju said they expected a tough contest.
“We knew it would be a dogfight. Buffaloes are a quality side and it was never going to be easy,” he said.
He admitted Pirates lost focus after building their lead.
“We stretched the lead but a few mistakes and some complacency crept in. We did enough, but we must be consistent for the full 80 minutes.”
Buffaloes’ Patrick Matovu took positives from the second-half display.
“We stuck to the game plan and had more possession. We just need to improve ball retention,” he said, adding that their target remains to win the league.
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For now, Pirates stay on course, not perfect, but finding ways to win as they chase another title something they have never had a privilege to do.
