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KAMPALA, UGANDA — 3 October 2026. KIU Crows and Hima Impis have secured promotion to the men’s Uganda Rugby 7s Series, while Panthers RFC and Kitgum Queens have earned their places in the women’s competition following the conclusion of the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Promotional Series at Kampala Rugby Grounds today.
The Promotional Series brought the 2026 national sevens pathway to a close, offering the country’s strongest regional and non core sides a direct route into Uganda’s premier club rugby sevens competition. It followed the introduction of a structured promotion and relegation system for the 2026 season, under which the bottom two men’s and women’s teams in the national Series were relegated and replaced by the top two sides from the Promotional Series
Four Slots Decided
After an intense 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series, four places opened up in the top flight, two in the men’s category and two in the women’s category.
Relegated teams
- Men’s category: Rhinos RFC and Mbale Elephants
- Women’s category: Black Pearls and Mbale Eagles
Promoted Teams
KIU Crows entered the Promotional Series with momentum after winning Stop 1 at Ruga Ruga Rugby Grounds, Busukuma, on 12 September 2026, where they defeated Kakira Simbas 10–7 in the men’s Main Cup Final. Hima Impis also impressed across the campaign, finishing third at Stop 1 with 17 series points.
In the women’s competition, Panthers RFC topped the Stop 1 standings with a perfect three match record, scoring 70 points and conceding only 10, while Kitgum Queens finished second with 19 points. Both sides carried that consistency into the final Promotional Series tournament at Kampala Rugby Grounds to claim the two available women’s places.
The newly promoted teams are:
- Men’s category: KIU Crows and Hima Impis
- Women’s category: Panthers RFC and Kitgum Queens
Looking Ahead
The promotions mark an important milestone for KIU Crows, Hima Impis, Panthers RFC and Kitgum Queens, whose performances across the regional pathway and Promotional Series have earned them a place among Uganda’s leading sevens sides.
The 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series concluded on 20 September with Platinum Credit Heathens winning the men’s overall title on 112 points and Thunderbirds taking the women’s crown on 121 points. The newly promoted clubs will now prepare to compete against these established sides when the next national sevens season begins. Notably, KIU Crows are the first team in Western Uganda to qualify for the Uganda Rugby 7s Series.
ENDS
About the Uganda Rugby 7s Series The Uganda Rugby 7s Series is the premier national club rugby sevens competition, bringing together leading men’s and women’s teams from across Uganda. It provides a competitive platform for players and clubs to showcase talent, gain experience and contribute to the continued growth of rugby sevens in the country.
Media Contact
Uganda Rugby Communications, Email: moc.ybguradnagu@snoitacinummoc
Website: www.ugandarugby.com