There are three kinds of “rugby fans” in Uganda. The majority; usually due to peer pressure and fear of missing out, watch headline matches featuring the biggest rugby clubs in the country. Perennially around Lugogo’s Kyadondo and Legends, and nowadays at Bweyogerere’s Kings Park. Then the sizeable crowds; step out to eat some grilled pork and drink with friends only to find themselves enjoying background entertainment from the rugby players and clubs in the country. Also at Kyadondo, Legends, and Kings Park. And finally, the handful loyal fans – more like supporters and members who watch their clubs and only their clubs regardless of the opponent and/or venue.

Everyone in each of these kinds of rugby fans in Uganda already has an idea which matches they will watch during the upcoming men’s 2025 Nile Special Rugby Championship from January until May.

But what if you’re a curious and adventurous rugby fan trying to watch every championship team at all venues in Uganda? Given that there are twelve teams and eight venues, at least once during the regular season is achievable. This piece is for you.

• Round One (Jan 11): Kampani’s Eagles v Victoria Sharks – Kitante Primary School

Watching one of the two newly-promoted teams (Victoria Sharks) on the opening round of the championship sounds like an interesting thing to do. There is no better opponent to ease them into it than another young team (Eagles). Kitante Primary School is a small venue where you stand on the cliff and quietly watch rugby with a good view.

• Round Two (Jan 18): Warriors v KCB KOBs – Legends Rugby Grounds

The Mileke Shield match is one of the extremely rare derbies with a relaxed and good vibe. Not because KOBs have walloped Warriors in every meeting since 2020 but because it honours the memory of a selfless rugby patron and father of the three Aredo brothers who play against each other for both teams.

• Round Three (Jan 25): Plascon Mongers v Rhinos – Busambaga Entebbe

The first rugby road trip is to the Entebbe peninsula which makes for a Saturday of fun-filled activities, as curated by the Fat Cats. Mongers and Rhinos are unpredictable mid-table teams who could serve an entertaining clash with breezy views of Lake Victoria.

• Round Four (Feb 1): Jinja Hippos v Walukuba Barbarians – Damwaters Rugby Club

The second road trip will take you across the Nile Bridge for the Jinja derby. Hippos and Walukuba play a highly-charged derby that rallies the entire Jinja community to the stands.

• Round Five (Feb 8): Stanbic Black Pirates v Platinum Credit Heathens – Kings Park

A repeat of the 2024 championship final is a must-watch. The rugby will not disappoint since Heathens and Pirates have won the last three league/championship titles. And similarly, the after-party at Kings Park hosted by the Rugby Chill.

• Round Six (Feb 15): Toyota Buffaloes v Victoria Sharks – Kyadondo Rugby Club

The first visit to Kyadondo will feature the landlords Buffaloes and their newest tenants Victoria Sharks.

• Round Seven (Feb 22): Victoria Sharks v Elgon Wolves – Kyadondo Rugby Club

The two newly promoted teams will have certainly taken differing paths and suffered contrasting fates by this meeting at Kyadondo. So this will be perfect timing for Victoria Sharks and Elgon Wolves to size themselves up again.

• Round Eight (Mar 1): Stanbic Black Pirates v Jinja Hippos – Kings Park

This is one of the most nail-biting and high-scoring fixtures on the calendar. It will also be the last opportunity to watch both Pirates and Hippos in the regular season.

• Round Nine (Mar 8): Elgon Wolves v Warriors – Mbale

Warriors and Elgon Wolves have some fragile history from two years ago when they were battling for promotion. Their first meeting since that dramatic encounter will be worth travelling to the farthest venue from Kampala City for rugby.

• Round Ten (Mar 15): Platinum Credit Heathens v KCB KOBs – Kyadondo Rugby Club

Lest some may have forgotten, Heathens v KOBs is still the biggest rugby derby in Uganda. Also, KOBs were the only team to defeat Heathens last season. The itinerary would not be complete without watching this Lions Cup tie.

• Round Eleven (Mar 22): Walukuba Barbarians v Victoria Sharks – Abel Dhaira Memorial Stadium

The closing weekend of the regular season will be spent at the Abel Dhaira Memorial Stadium. Another road trip to a venue which is slowly laying down the marker as a fortress.

From this itinerary, Victoria Sharks will be the most-watched team (four times) and Kyadondo Rugby Club the most-visited venue (three times).

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