The 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership has entered its decisive stage, with the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) confirming the quarterfinal and relegation playoff fixtures after a strenuously fought regular season that went down to the final weekend.
Following the conclusion of the campaign on May 9, 2026, the focus now shifts to knockout rugby, where eight teams will battle for the national title starting May 15.
At the end of the regular season, Black Pirates topped the standings, joined in the playoffs by Heathens, Plascon Mongers, Makerere Impis, KOBs, and Buffaloes.
Final positions were shaped by intense late-season matches, including a key win for Victoria Sharks that helped define the final playoff picture.
The Uganda Rugby Union has confirmed that the quarterfinals will be played over three consecutive days Friday, Saturday, and Sunday marking the first time a Sunday fixture is included at this stage of the competition.
Action begins at the Kyadondo Rugby Club on Friday, May 15, when Heathens face Victoria Sharks in a highly anticipated opening clash.
Both sides will be aiming to set the tone early in the knockout race.
On Saturday, May 16 in Jinja, Black Pirates take on Walukuba Barbarians in a heavyweight encounter, before Makerere Impis meet KOBs in another tightly expected battle that could go either way at the Graveyard.
The quarterfinals conclude in Entebbe on Sunday, May 17, when Buffaloes lock horns with Plascon Mongers in a decisive final fixture of the round.
Beyond the trophy hunt, attention will also turn to survival.
The relegation playoffs are set for June 6 and 7, 2026, with Rhinos facing Warriors, while Hippos take on Kakira Simbas in a Jinja derby that also serves as a repeat of last season’s final.
The URU has also confirmed that ticketing, and broadcast details will be communicated later.
