After a year’s break, the Uganda Cup, the country’s premier knockout rugby tournament returns this weekend to kick off the 2025 season.
Traditionally the curtain-raiser for Uganda’s rugby calendar, the competition was postponed last year due to financial challenges.
In its absence, clubs organized their own invitational event, the Rugby Masters Cup, which was won by the Heathens, the current Uganda Cup holders.
They will now begin their title defence against Makerere Impis on Saturday. This year’s edition features 20 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from across the country.
The Northern and Western regions will each field two teams, while the Eastern Region earns two extra slots alongside Walukuba Barbarians and Jinja Hippos.
In the women’s competition, reigning 15s champions Black Pearls have withdrawn, citing player unavailability and financial issues.
Their exit leaves Nile Rapids, the defending Uganda Cup champions as favourites, with Avengers, Thunderbirds, and Ewes expected to challenge.
The group stage runs from October 18 to November 15, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout phase.
The final is slated for December 6 at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Saturday Fixtures
Men •Buffaloes vs Kyambogo | •Heathens vs Impis |•Elgon Wolves vs Victoria Sharks |•Kakira Simbas vs KOBs |•Falcons vs Hippos |•Rhinos vs Warriors |•Silverbacks vs Pirates |•Walukuba vs Mongers
Women •Mbale Eagles vs Thunderbirds |•She Wolves vs Ewes |•Kigezi Queens vs Avengers |•Nile Rapids vs Panthers
