2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership | Men | Saturday April 18
- Black Pirates Vs Kakira – Kings Park Arena
- Heathens RFC Vs Rhinos – Kyadondo Rugby Ground
- KOBs Vs Warriors – 5D Ranch
- Walukuba Barbarians Vs Impis – Abel Dhaira
- Buffaloes Vs Mongers – Grave Yard
- Hippos Vs Victoria Sharks – Ruck Yard
Black Pirates return to domestic rugby this Saturday against the Kakira Simbas at Kings Park Arena, still riding high after making the nation proud in the Enterprise Cup.
But there is no room for celebration. The league race is tight, and they sit just one point behind table leaders Buffaloes, close enough to take top spot if results swing their way.
The Sea Robbers have been ruthless this season, consistently fielding their strongest side regardless of opposition.
That approach is unlikely to change, and it spells trouble for a Kakira side that has struggled badly in its first Premiership season.
The Simbas have managed just one losing bonus point so far, and life at this level has been far tougher than expected for coach Saidi Atibu’s team.
With the Top 8 now out of reach, Kakira’s focus has shifted to survival. They still have key relegation battles ahead, but time is running out, and improvement must come quickly if they are to stay up.
At the top end, the Buffaloes remain in control of the table, built on consistency and discipline. But their lead is under real threat.
The Pirates are chasing hard, and whichever version of them turns up against Kakira will put pressure on the leaders.
Elsewhere, the Heathens find themselves in unfamiliar trouble. The most decorated club in Ugandan rugby has gone over a month without a 15s win, losing to Buffaloes, KOBs, and Kabras Sugar in a worrying run.
Coach Tolbert Onyango now faces growing pressure to steady a side that looks short of answers.
The Rhinos are also in danger. One win in seven games has left them stuck in the relegation zone, struggling to replace key players lost in the transfer window.
They travel to Kyadondo to face the Heathens, a tough assignment given the hosts’ need to respond.
In Jinja, the Hippos host the Victoria Sharks in a match that could define both teams’ seasons.
The Hippos are fighting to escape the bottom four, while the Sharks are trying to secure a Top 8 finish.
Both know the importance of three points at this stage, with only a handful of games left.
At the top, the Buffaloes’ lead will also be tested by a strong Mongers side. The Buffaloes have only lost once this season, to the Pirates, but the Mongers have shown resilience, especially in tight games against lower sides. This clash could reshape the top four.
Further down the table, Walukuba Barbarians face Makerere Impis in a direct battle for Top 8 safety.
Both are level on points, but the Barbarians face a brutal final run in. For them, this is a must win.
The Impis, meanwhile, see a real chance to pull away from danger.
