Toyota Buffaloes booked their place in the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership final after defeating Makerere Impis 28-12 in the second leg of their semi-final at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, completing a commanding 48-23 aggregate victory.
Holding a first-leg advantage, Buffaloes produced another composed display to overcome a determined Impis side and secure their first Premiership final appearance since 2013.
The hosts made the perfect start when fullback Yasin Waswa crossed for the opening try before converting to give Buffaloes an early lead. Impis responded strongly after turning down an earlier penalty opportunity, with scrum-half Sentongo Robert finishing off a line-out maul close to the posts. Darren Aine added the conversion to level the scores.
Buffaloes regained control before the break through a moment of brilliance from Watmon Fat Moses. The Uganda Sevens international sliced through the Impis defence before producing an offload that sent Hector Twinomugisha over for the try. Waswa converted to hand the hosts a valuable lead heading into half-time.
Makerere Impis refused to go away and reduced the deficit early in the second half when Lincoln Mashate crossed out wide after a series of Buffaloes penalties gave the visitors attacking territory. However, Aine’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving Impis chasing the game.
That proved to be as close as the students would come. Buffaloes responded with authority, forcing a turnover deep inside the Impis 22 after a well-executed tactical kick. Abdullah Meddie finished off the move and the successful conversion stretched the lead further.
The final blow arrived in the closing stages. Humphrey Ndahura released Daniels Otim inside the Buffaloes half and the winger showed his pace to sprint clear and score. The conversion sealed a 28-12 victory and confirmed Buffaloes’ passage to the final.
Watmon Fat Moses was named Man of the Match after an influential performance that helped drive Buffaloes to victory. The return of Moses, Aaron Tukei and Otim from Uganda’s Sevens setup also provided a major boost for the side as they navigated the semi-final challenge.
For Impis, the defeat ended a remarkable campaign. After suffering relegation in 2024, the students fought their way back through the Championship playoffs and produced a memorable quarter-final comeback against KCB KOBs before eventually falling short against Buffaloes.
Having safely negotiated the two-legged semi-final, Buffaloes now stand just one win away from lifting the Uganda Rugby Premiership title. They will face the winner of the other semi-final between Stanbic Black Pirates and Platinum Credit Heathens in the championship decider.
