Owen Mugogo is the latest player to depart Jinja Hippos for opportunities in South Africa. He follows Tawfiq Bagalana, Max Ebonga, Eliphaz Emong, Timothy Mugisha, Dennis Etwau, and Jacob Ochen, all of whom have left the club since 2023.
Losing such a roster of key players, many of whom contributed to the team’s 2022 Nile Special National Sevens championship victory, would destabilize most teams.
However, the Hippos have remained resilient. They currently hold third place in the Nile Special Rugby Premiership, entering the final match-day, 11, of the 2025 regular season.
This Saturday, March 29, they host second-placed KCB Kobs at Dam Waters in Jinja, a venue they’ve transformed into a formidable stronghold, much to the surprise of many given their recent player turnover.
Hippos’ flanker, Isaac Rujumba, a 2018 15s championship winner with the Black Pirates, remarked, “When I joined a few years ago, the team’s mindset was primarily about upsetting stronger opponents. But over time, our mentality has evolved. This league was historically dominated by Heathens and Kobs. Pirates then made it a three-horse race. Now, Hippos aims to make it a four-way contest.”
Rujumba emphasized that establishing dominance begins with defending home turf.
Consequently, the Hippos have remained undefeated at home in league matches for the past two seasons. From the start of this season, they have openly declared their ambition to win the Premiership.
This ambitious goal has fueled their progress, translating into impressive performances on the field.
Despite some skepticism, their efforts have yielded championship-caliber results. Their sole loss this season, a 38-10 defeat against Pirates, remains perplexing to club captain and prop, Fahad Maido.
“It was simply an off day,” Maido explained.
They have since rebounded, securing two consecutive victories and now anticipate facing Kobs with confidence.
Although Kobs drew 11-11 with Heathens last weekend, they have lost their last two encounters against Hippos.
In response, Maido stated, “This is just another game. However, our rigorous training has instilled confidence in our victory. We have a tenacious team.”
The Hippos are renowned for their powerful forward pack, which overwhelmed Heathens in Jinja and posed significant challenges to Pirates, despite their loss.
Kobs captain Derrick Tukwasibwe acknowledges the Hippos’ strength, but asserts they are prepared.
The stakes are high, with second place and a potentially easier playoff opponent on the line.
However, Maido insists that the Hippos are not focused on avoiding any team, but rather on defeating the best to achieve their ultimate goal.
