The 2026 Uganda Rugby Sevens Series announced its arrival in style last weekend at the Ruck Yard Sports Club in Jinja with Walukuba Barbarians and Nile Rapids making sure everyone notices under the beautiful floodlights.
The defending champions ground out a 12-10 win over Buffaloes in a nerve-shredding final to open their title defence with maximum points. That result now hangs over the rest of the circuit like a marker in the sand.
In the women’s competition, Nile Rapids edged Thunderbirds 7-5 in a final that came down to composure under pressure, with Shaine Babirye walking away with the Women’s MVP award after inspiring her side home.
Black Pearls, the reigning national champions, endured a tournament to forget, finishing with the wooden spoon.
Attention now swings to Kings Park Arena, where Stanbic Black Pirates host the second stop of the series, the Rujumba 7s, this weekend.
Pool draws confirm Pirates will play out of Pool C alongside Heathens, Eagles and Hippos, a group that pits them straight against two opponents who tested them to the limits last week in Eagles and Heathens and Hippos.
Walukuba Barbarians headline Pool A with Victoria Sharks, Rhinos and Rams, while Buffaloes lead Pool B against Kobs, Mongers and Mbale Elephants.
Pirates’ waters
History gives Pirates every reason to fancy their chances on home turf as no side has owned this leg quite like them lately.
Two back-to-back titles at Kings Park tell their own story. Last year’s edition was their only circuit win of the entire 2025 series, salvaged after a rocky opening day that included a 17-0 mauling by Walukuba.
They will need that same resolve again this weekend, sitting third with 17 points, five behind Walukuba on the log and needing more than just a repeat performance.
In the women’s draw, Black Pearls get a chance to answer their Stone City struggles, drawn in Pool B against Thunderbirds, Ewes and Walukuba Titans, while log leaders Nile Rapids carry their momentum into Pool A against Avengers, She Wolves and Mbale Eagles.
With eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals from three uneven pools, the fight for the best loser slots could decide as much as the pool winners themselves.
The teams will need to utilize well their stars this weekend after Uganda Rugby confirmed the sevens set will be withdrawn after this circuit.
Previous men’s Rujumba 7s winners
2018: Toyota Buffaloes
2019: Kobs
2021: Black Pirates
2022: Kobs
2023: Heathens
2024: Black Pirates
2025: Black Pirates
Rujumba 7s Pools
Men
Pool A: Walukuba Barbarians, Victoria Sharks, Rhinos, Rams
Pool B: Buffaloes, KOBs, Mongers, Mbale Elephants
Pool C: Black Pirates, Heathens, Eagles, Hippos
Women
Pool A: Nile Rapids, Avengers, She Wolves, Mbale Eagles
Pool B: Thunderbirds, Ewes, Walukuba Titans, Black Pearls