Heathens Rugby Club reminded everyone why their rivalry with Black Pirates is currently the biggest show in Ugandan rugby, edging the Sea Robbers 30-26 in a riveting Premiership clash at Kyadondo on Saturday.
The result handed Pirates their first loss of the 2026 season and reignited a rivalry that rarely disappoints.
Among the spectators were Rugby Afrique president Herbert Mensah who sat among the fans, Prince Daudi Kintu Wasajja, NCS General Secretary, Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel and State minister for sports, Peter Ogwang.
They witnessed a contest worthy of its reputation, often described as a final before the final.
Heathens have frequently had the edge in this fixture, beating Pirates in the 2024 championship and the 2022 Uganda Cup final after extra time.
But 2025 belonged to Pirates, who won all four meetings, including the Uganda Cup final at Mandela National Stadium and a dramatic league victory at Kings Park.
This time, Heathens struck early. Mathew Musasizi split the uprights for a 3-0 lead before slick handling and quick recycling set the tone.
Strong support play ended with Trevor Ochan finishing off a flowing move as the referee signaled for the try.
Pirates responded through Jeremiah Okello, who capitalized on a misjudged ball from Denis Etwau to cut the score to 10-7.
Heathens, however, dominated the scrum and moved the ball confidently through Musasizi and Aaron Ofoyirwoth.
A sharp break from Norbert Okeny created space for Malcolm Okello to race clear and stretch the lead to 15-7.
Pirates hit back through Eliphaz Emong, who powered through after a pass from Moses Zziwa. William Nkore added the extras to narrow it to 15-14 at halftime.
The second half swung both ways. Musasizi’s penalty pushed Heathens to 18-14, but two tries from Alex Aturinda, one converted, gave Pirates a 26-18 lead.
With the game slipping away, Heathens found another gear. Julius Opio powered over, and the conversion cut the deficit to a point at 26-25.
Soon after, Okeny finished off another sweeping move to put Heathens ahead 30-26, one that left a couple of Pirates fans railing on if Ofoyirwoth’s release was a forward pass.
However there was a missed conversion that ensured a tense finish which saw Pirates play the remaining minutes in Heathens half.
Pirates pressed hard in the closing minutes, but Heathens held firm to seal a statement win.
After the match, Emong admitted small mistakes proved costly.
“It was a tough day. We lost, but we’ll work harder for the next game,” he said. “We made slight mistakes and we promise to correct them.”
He also mentioned the absence of captain Isaac Masangazira but refused to use it as an excuse.
“Those who stepped in tried their best. The problem was complacency. Some of us thought the lead was enough, and we paid for it.”
The result shakes up the early standings. Plascon Mongers remain the only unbeaten side after four rounds and sit top.
Heathens move second on 15 points, level with Buffaloes and one ahead of Impis, who beat Hippos.
Elsewhere, KCB KOBs thrashed Rhinos 46-12, Victoria defeated Warriors 48-19, and Buffaloes edged Walukuba 24-22.
