Toyota Buffaloes booked their place in the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership final after overcoming a spirited Makerere Impis side 28-12 in the second round of their semifinal at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, sealing a 48-23 aggregate victory.
Toyota Buffaloes, struck first when fullback Yasin Waswa crossed for the opening try and slotted the conversion after Impis failed to take an early penalty. Impis responded through scrum-half Sentongo Robert, who finished their initial period of pressure with a close-range try from a line-out maul next to the posts. Darren Aine’s conversion levelled the scores and underlined the students’ intent.
The hosts regained control late in the first half when Watmon Fat Moses produced a brilliant line break and offload to create space for Hector Twinomugisha to finish. Waswa’s successful conversion sent Buffaloes into the interval with the lead.
Impis began the second half brightly and were rewarded when Lincoln Mashate crossed out wide after consecutive Buffaloes penalties handed the visitors territory. Darren Aine’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving Makerere trailing.
Buffaloes responded with greater authority. A well-timed tactical kick into the Impis 22 created a turnover opportunity and Abdullah Meddie was on hand to finish the resulting move. The conversion extended the hosts’ advantage and put them firmly in command.
With the game entering its closing stages, Daniels Otim added the final flourish. Receiving a pass from Humphrey Ndahura inside Buffaloes’ half, Otim used his pace to race clear and score, and the conversion completed a 28-12 victory.
Watmon Fat Moses was named Man of the Match after a commanding display in attack, his break and offload pivotal to Twinomugisha’s first-half try. For Makerere Impis, the defeat brought an end to an impressive campaign. Relegated from the Premiership in 2024, the students battled back through the Championship playoffs and produced a memorable quarterfinal comeback against KCB KOBs to reach the last four, earning wide admiration for their resilience.
Buffaloes were bolstered by the return of Uganda Sevens internationals Watmon Fat Moses, Aaron Tukei and Daniels Otim following Uganda’s withdrawal from the 2026 Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens tournament, and their influence proved decisive in the semifinal.
After surviving a determined challenge from the resurgent Impis, the Buffaloes now stand just one victory away from claiming the Uganda Rugby Premiership crown.
Toyota Buffaloes will contest their first Premiership final since 2013, where they will await the winner of the other semifinal between Stanbic Black Pirates and Platinum Credit Heathens. The first leg of that tie is scheduled for tomorrow at 4pm at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
See Team lists Below.
Platinum Credit Heathens
Stanbic Black Pirates
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