The race to the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership final took a back seat to grief at the Graveyard in Makerere University on Saturday as Buffaloes claimed a 20-11 victory over Impis in the first leg of their semifinal that was played under the shadow of the death of Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo.
Before kickoff, players, officials and supporters observed a moment of silence in honour of Gongodyo, whose death on Friday evening has plunged the rugby fraternity into mourning.
The sombre mood was evident throughout, with those in attendance still struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of Uganda rugby’s most respected forwards.
Buffaloes’ advantage
Back on the field, Buffaloes seized a slender advantage ahead of next week’s return leg thanks to a solid man-of-the-match display from former Hippos star Yassin Waiswa, who contributed 15 of his side’s 20 points, including a try and 10 off his boot.
The hosts could not have asked for a better start. Just three minutes in, Lincoln Mashate crossed over after sustained pressure from the Impis pack, though Darren Aine failed to add the conversion. Buffaloes gradually settled and began forcing errors, winning three penalties in seven minutes, with Waiswa converting one. A second successful penalty late in the first half narrowed the deficit to 8-6 at the break.
Waiswa emerged re-energized after the interval before quickly crossing for a try and then added the extras to turn the match on its head. Kennedy Muhumuza later dotted down to seal the 20-11 victory that gave Buffaloes the advantage going back to Kyadondo.
Murder case
But the result was almost secondary on a day when Ugandan rugby was united in mourning. Uganda Rugby Union postponed the other semifinal between Black Pirates and Platinum Credit Heathens that had been scheduled for Sunday to allow Pirates players and officials time to grieve.
Gongodyo, 27, a Makerere University student and key member of the Pirates squad that won the 2025 Premiership title, died Friday after an incident in Kampala now being investigated as murder.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed officers rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7pm.
Three suspects, Noordin Ssebagala, Roden Ayebazibwe and Juliet Namukose are now in custody. Preliminary findings indicate he was subjected to mob action after being accused of snatching a handbag though police stressed the circumstances remain under active investigation.
Served with honour
URU president Godwin Kayangwe described Gongodyo as a player who served Uganda with honour, discipline and exceptional commitment.
Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah added his voice to the tributes, saying that beyond the competition, jerseys and stadiums, the rugby family was grieving the loss of one of its own.
‘It is always difficult when a young life is lost too soon,’ Mensah said. ‘What remains, however, is the memory of his contribution, his presence in the team environment, and the mark he left on those who played alongside him.’
Hundreds gathered at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere on Sunday for a public viewing before the body was transported to Mbale for a funeral service Monday morning, ahead of burial at his ancestral home in Buweri Town Council, Budadiri, Sironko District.
UGANDA RUGBY PREMIERSHIP
Semifinal result
Impis 11-20 Buffaloes
Heathens vs. Pirates (postponed)