Black Pirates Edge Toyota Buffaloes to Retain Uganda Rugby Premiership Title

Stanbic Black Pirates successfully defended their Uganda Rugby Premiership crown after edging Toyota Buffaloes 30-29 in a thrilling 2025-26 final played at Kings Park Arena on Saturday, June 27.

The Bweyogerere-based side were forced to defend resolutely during the final 17 minutes of the contest, holding off a spirited Buffaloes comeback to secure back-to-back league titles.

Toyota Buffaloes, who qualified for the final after eliminating Impis in the semi-finals at Kyadondo, entered the decider as underdogs against the defending champions. However, the Kyadondo-based outfit produced a courageous display that pushed Pirates all the way and earned widespread praise from the large crowd in attendance.

Despite trailing for most of the match, Buffaloes mounted an impressive second-half fightback. After scoring 13 points before the break, they added 16 more in the second half to finish with 29 points, falling agonisingly one point short of claiming the club’s first-ever major trophy.

Black Pirates relied on their experience to build a commanding first-half advantage before managing the game effectively in the closing stages to secure their second consecutive Uganda Rugby Premiership title and the fourth league crown in the club’s history.

The defending champions scored 25 points in the opening half before Eric Mulalamu crossed over for the decisive try after the break to seal victory and add another chapter to the club’s successful history.

Nathan Bwambale starred with two tries, while Alex Atulinda and Frank Kidega also crossed over in the first half. Mulalamu’s second-half try, combined with successful conversions and a penalty, helped Pirates finish with 30 points.

For Toyota Buffaloes, 22-year-old Yasin Waswa delivered another outstanding performance, contributing 16 points. Leonard Ndikuryayo and Titus Oyoo also scored tries as Buffaloes produced a gallant display despite narrowly missing out on the championship..