The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has confirmed the launch of the 2025 Nile Special Rugby Premiership Promotional Playoffs, a decisive tournament that will determine the two clubs promoted to next year’s top-flight competition.
Set to begin on Saturday, May 24, and run through June 7, the three-week playoff series will feature four regional champions — each representing Northern, Central, Western, and Eastern Uganda — in a round-robin format across multiple venues, including Bushenyi, Kakira, Gulu, and Makerere.
The qualified teams include Gulu City Falcons (Northern Region), who booked their spot with a dominant 31-03 win over Lira Bulls; Impis (Central Region), seeking a return to the Premiership following their 2024 relegation; KIU Crowz (Western Region), who cruised past Fort Portal Tycoons 27-00 at Ntate Grounds; and Kakira Simbas (Eastern Region), who earned qualification after a win over Njeru.
The opening fixtures on May 24 will see KIU Crowz host Impis in Bushenyi, while Kakira Simbas welcome Gulu City Falcons in Kakira. Both matches will kick off at 4:00 PM.
Action continues on May 31 with Gulu City Falcons facing KIU Crowz in Gulu, and Impis taking on Kakira Simbas at Makerere. The final round of matches will be played on June 7, with Gulu City Falcons hosting Impis and KIU Crowz clashing with Kakira Simbas in Bushenyi.
According to URU, the top two teams at the end of the playoffs will be promoted to the 2026 Nile Special Rugby Premiership, replacing the two teams relegated at the end of the 2024 season.
“The Union remains committed to supporting grassroots development and regional competition structures, which are vital for expanding player numbers and strengthening the future of Ugandan rugby,” URU Communications Officer Shafic Kiyaga noted.
