Black Pirates were crowned the 2025 Uganda Cup champions after edging out arch-rivals and defending champions Heathens 19–8 in a fiercely contested final at Namboole Stadium in Kampala on Saturday, 6 December.
It was Heathens who struck first through an early try by Nobert Okeny to take a 5–0 lead. The Pirates responded through the boot of William Nkore, whose penalty reduced the deficit to 5–3 and swung momentum back in favour of the “Sea Robbers.”
Nkore’s influence grew as the first half wore on. After Isaac Massa crossed the whitewash, Nkore added the extras to hand Black Pirates a 10–5 advantage heading into the break.
Moments into the second half, Nkore extended the lead further with another well-taken penalty to make it 13–5. Heathens fought back through Marvin Asaba, who slotted a penalty of his own to close the gap to 13–8 and briefly reignite hopes of a comeback.
Those hopes were dashed as Nkore delivered the knockout blow, calmly drilling home two more penalties to put the result beyond doubt and seal the Uganda Cup title for Black Pirates.
In the women’s final, Nile Rapids capped off a thrilling contest by narrowly defeating the She Wolves 22–20 to claim the 2025 Uganda Cup women’s crown.
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