For two years, KCB KOBs have been knocking on the door. At Bugembe Stadium, the door finally swung wide open.
The Blue Army edged Rams RFC 22-19 in a pulsating men’s Main Cup final at the 2026 Kyabazinga 7s, hosted by Walukuba Barbarians, to claim their first stop title since the Mbarara 7s in August 2024. KOBs become the fifth men’s team to win a Stop in the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series. The series moves toward a winner-takes-all Grand Finale at the Kabaka Coronation 7s.
The Resurgence
Down 19-5 at halftime against a red hot Rams side, KOBs needed resolve as much as structure. They found both, ending a barren run that stretched through the entire 2025 season and four stops in 2026.
Captain Josiah Ssempeke credited their relentless focus:
“We’ve been starved of gold, but we had a process and kept knocking. We refocused on what works for us, and everything we planned worked out.”
Head coach Trevor Tusiime acknowledged that while the breakthrough took time, the mental shift was earned: “It means a lot. It’s part of the process. We expected it much earlier, but we finally arrived. Late, but we are here. The structure was working, but players joining and leaving for national duty, alongside injuries, disturbed us. To come back from 19-5 down at halftime in a final shows immense mental resolve. As we head into the 15s season, we’re carrying this exact same energy.”
Thunderbirds Flip the Script
In the women’s competition, Thunderbirds produced a decisive swing in the title race, dispatching Walukuba Titans 17-12 to claim their second leg of the season.
Kyabazinga 7s defending champions Nile Rapids entered the weekend holding a narrow lead after winning three of the first four legs. They were knocked out in the semifinals and finished fourth. That misstep flips the overall standings and puts Thunderbirds right back at the front.
Across five stops, only two women’s teams have taken home silverware: Nile Rapids (3 titles) and Thunderbirds (2 titles). It remains a tense two horse race, but momentum has shifted at a critical moment.
All Eyes on the Grand Finale
Uganda Rugby 7s series now heads to Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, for the Kabaka Coronation 7s.
•Men’s Division: Heathens, Stanbic Black Pirates, and KCB KOBs, all arrive with a legitimate shot at the overall title after five different winners in five stops.
•Women’s Division: Thunderbirds hold late momentum, but Nile Rapids remain positioned for an immediate bounce back in a tight race.
Finals Pools
A dramatic climax awaits.
Purchase match day tickets via: https://momoticketing.com/event/kabaka-coronation-rugby-7s-cup-2
Be the first to know! Follow the official Uganda Rugby, social media accounts to keep up with all information from the games including fixtures, results, and statistical information. Uganda Rugby is also available via WhatsApp Channel, simply tap the icon below to follow.
