2025 Rugby Uganda Cup | Men | Final
Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Black Pirates Vs Heathens
The 2025 rugby season will climax on Saturday, December 6, with a heavyweight Uganda Cup final between Black Pirates and defending champions Heathens, a fiery repeat of the unforgettable 2022 showdown.
The matchup was confirmed after a tense semifinal weekend at King’s Park and Kyadondo, where both teams survived dramatic, pressure filled battles to book their places in the finale.
Sources inside Ugandan rugby indicate the much anticipated clash is expected to be played at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
At Kyadondo, Heathens asserted their authority over rivals Buffaloes with a composed 22–13 victory.
After an early exchange of penalties between Hussein Shein and Joseph Oyet, Heathens took charge through first-half tries from Nicholas Kato and Michael Amollo, both converted by Oyet for a 17–3 lead at the break.
Buffaloes fought back with second-half tries from Rodney Samuel Takan and Meddie Abdallah, but Oyet’s own try kept Heathens firmly in control and on their way to another final.
Uganda Cup | Men | Semi-finals
- Heathens 22-13 Buffaloes
- Black Pirates 24-23 KOBs
The bigger drama unfolded at King’s Park, where Pirates staged a remarkable 24–23 comeback to edge KOBs and keep their unbeaten season alive.
KOBs started strong through an Ibrahim Khemis penalty and a fortunate try by Stuart Mwayi after a misfield from Jeremiah Okello.
But Okello made amends with a corner try converted by captain Isaac Massa, before Jones Kamiza finished off a flowing move to put Pirates in front.
KOBs regained the lead before halftime through prop Blair Ayebazibwe after a clever short ball from Collins Kimbowa in a match that swung back and forth.
The game changed in the second half when Khemis’ failed exit kick was charged down, allowing Pirates scrumhalf Conrad Wanyama to race in for a crucial try.
Desire Ayera’s finish and Nkore’s conversion stretched Pirates’ advantage before KOBs responded through Benjamin Muwanguzi, though a missed conversion kept them one point behind. Pirates then held on under immense late pressure to seal a memorable victory.
The final now pits the country’s two most in-form sides, Pirates, the reigning league champions, and Heathens, the defending Uganda Cup holders against each other.
With their rivalry sharpened by history and strengthened by unbeaten runs this year, December 6 promises a fitting finale to the 2025 rugby calendar.
