The curtains come down on the 2025 men’s Uganda Rugby Premiership this Saturday after fifteen weeks of nail-biting action.
It will be an epic climax when Stanbic Black Pirates and Jinja Hippos clash in the Grand Final at Kings Park.
This is not just any final. It has the writings of a historic matchup that will be remembered for years to come.
2025’s is the first XVs final which has not featured either Heathens or KOBs, who between them have a combined thirty titles from thirty-four seasons.
Pirates are in the search of their third title while Hippos look to clinch a maiden crown.
It is also the first final in which the trophy will only be won by a team from outside Kampala City. Pirates shifted base and found home in Bweyogerere of Wakiso district while Hippos are born and bred at the source of the Nile river in Jinja City.
A new step in the growth and evolution of Ugandan rugby is about to be taken, and these two powerhouses are in the front seat to usher the sport into a new era.
The Pirates vs Hippos final will kick off at 3 p.m. EAT and will be broadcast live on NBS Sport.
Where will the key battles in the final be?
While Pirates may not be far off, there is no ignoring the fact that Hippos have the most dominant scrum in Ugandan rugby at the moment.
At the front row, youngster Ariho Muhumuza will contend with the experienced James Okello while an immovable force of Alema Ruhweza will flex with an unstoppable power in Fahad Maido.
The contest during the lineouts is also one to look out for with Moses Zziwa and Sydney Gongodyo jumping against Isaac Rujumba and Julius Opio.
Both teams have devastating power ball carriers. Eliphaz Emong, Frank Kidega and Alex Aturinda will trade blows with Bright Mukisa and David Wako for the entire duration of the match.
William Nkore and Yasin Waiswa will pull the strings in the playmaker number 10 jerseys. Theirs will also be a battle of the boots; both in open play for territory and off the kicking tee for points.
Where Pirates have clear daylight from Hippos is in the midfield. Isaac Massanganzira and Timothy Kisiga will pose as many questions as possible to Syliver Kenyi and Emmanuel Odoi but the two are not known to bow down easily.
The backfield will be a show of might not only as finishers but as power runners. Jeremiah Okello and Pius Ojeabulu face off with Tony Khadambi and Brighton Bakasa at the wings while Haruna Mohammed and Bruno Kisule slot into the open spaces from the fullback position.
Full Rugby Experience
The matchday will begin early Saturday morning with the viewing of Super Rugby matches on television before the women’s Premiership match kicks off at 12 p.m.
Black Pearls will take on Avengers with ambitions of reclaiming top spot on the table.
Then after the full-time whistle and crowning the champions, The Rugby Chill will be open for an unforgettable after-party into the wee hours of Sunday morning.
