The Uganda Rugby Union has officially unveiled the 2025 Nile Special Rugby Premiership Promotional Playoffs, set to captivate rugby enthusiasts from May 24 to June 7. This highly anticipated round-robin tournament will feature four formidable regional champions vying for two coveted slots in the 2026 Premiership season. The playoffs promise high-octane action and regional pride as Gulu City Falcons, Impis, KIU Crowz, and Kakira Simbas lock horns across four venues in Bushenyi, Kakira, Gulu, and Makerere.
Gulu City Falcons soared into the playoffs as Northern Region champions after a commanding 31-03 win over Lira Bulls. Impis, the seasoned Central Region titans, are hungry for redemption following their relegation from the Premiership in 2024. The Western Region will be represented by the relentless KIU Crowz, who blanked Fort Portal Tyrants 27-00 at Ntare Grounds. From the East, the Kakira Simbas storm into the fray after a decisive triumph over Njeru, solidifying their place as regional kings.
The playoffs will unfold over three electrifying weekends, offering fans thrilling clashes at each turn. Week 1 on May 24 will see KIU Crowz battle Impis in Bushenyi, while Kakira Simbas host Gulu City Falcons in Kakira. Week 2 action moves north as Gulu welcomes KIU Crowz, and Makerere becomes the battleground for Impis versus Kakira Simbas. The grand finale on June 7 features Gulu City Falcons taking on Impis in Gulu and KIU Crowz locking horns with Kakira Simbas in Bushenyi.
Only the top two teams from the grueling round-robin will secure promotion to Uganda’s elite rugby tier, replacing the bottom two teams from the 2025 season. With everything on the line—prestige, promotion, and a shot at top-flight glory—each match is expected to deliver adrenaline-pumping moments and fierce competition.
The Uganda Rugby Union calls upon fans nationwide to rally behind their regional champions and fill the stands with passion and pride. As the chase for Premiership glory begins, all eyes will be on the field where legends will rise, history will be written, and Uganda’s rugby future will be forged.
