Uganda’s fifteens rugby season begins this weekend with the return of the Uganda Cup, which comes back after a one-year break. The tournament will run from 18th October to 6th December 2025 and will act as the lead-up to the Uganda Rugby Championship.
This year’s edition features a change in format. Previously played as a straight knockout competition, the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has introduced a group stage system that will determine the teams advancing to the knockout rounds — the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
According to URU Chief Technical Officer, Ramsey Ndir, the adjustment allows teams to play more matches and helps integrate clubs from different regions into the competition.
“In previous years, the Uganda Cup used to be a knockout tournament. It’s no longer like that. Teams now play in four groups of five, giving each side four matches. It’s a chance to gauge progress and get a better feel for the season,” he said.
“We changed the format to include more regional clubs so that they can play against the traditional clubs.”
A total of twelve matches will be played on the opening weekend — eight in the men’s category and four in the women’s category — across several venues around the country.
Men’s Rd1 Fixtures – Saturday 18 October 2025
2:00pm – Kyambogo vs Buffaloes – Kyadondo
4.00pm -Heathens vs Makerere Impis – Kyadondo
4.00pm -Elgon Wolves vs Victoria Sharks – Mbale
4.00pm – Kakira Simbas vs KOBs – Kakira
4.00pm – Gulu Falcons vs Hippos – Gulu
4.00pm – Rhinos vs Warriors – Legends
4.00pm – Kigezi Silverbacks vs Black Pirates – Kabale
4.00pm – Walukuba Barbarians vs Mongers – Walukuba
Women’s Rd 1 Fixtures –
12.00pm – Mbale Eagles vs Thunderbirds – Mbale (Early Kickoff)
2.00pm – She Wolves vs Ewes – Mbale
2.00pm – Kigezi Queens vs Avengers – Kabale
4.00pm -Nile Rapids vs Panters – Jinja
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