Relegation Play Offs delivered its usual mix of drama, tension and finality. After two rounds of high‑stakes ties, Kakira Simbas and Rhinos secured their places in the Uganda Rugby Premiership for the 2027 season, while Hippos and Warriors dropped.

Hippos 21–10 Kakira Simbas – Aggregate 27–32

Hippos pushed hard in front of their home faithful at The Ruck Yard, edging the second round 21–10 in a performance that reflected the desperation of a side fighting to stay up. They controlled large periods of the match, attacking through the middle and stretching Kakira wide, ultimately running in three tries to keep their hopes alive deep into the contest.

Yet the first‑round deficit proved too great to overcome. Kakira’s 22–6 advantage from their home win gave the Simbas a cushion they managed with discipline and composure. The 21–10 defeat on the day translated into a 32–27 aggregate victory, meaning Kakira, the Premiership newcomers in their debut top‑flight season retain their place in the elite division.

For Hippos, relegation ends what had been a proud Premiership season, compounded by their run to last year’s final. The second‑round display showed both experience and heart, but the first‑round result ultimately defined their fate.

Rhinos 13–8 Warriors – Aggregate 47–20

Rhinos completed their survival with a 13–8 win over Warriors at Kyambogo, lifting the aggregate score to 47–20. Warriors entered the second round needing a 23‑point turnaround to avoid the drop, and they began with noticeably greater urgency than in the first round. They got on the scoreboard, tightened up in defence, and turned the contest into a tighter, more attritional affair.

Rhinos absorbed that early pressure and then reasserted control where it mattered most. Their set‑piece held firm, the ruck area became their domain, and key penalties allowed them to ease the intensity and manage the scoreboard. Each time Warriors threatened to narrow the gap, Rhinos answered with solid carries and disciplined defence, keeping the hosts’ aggregate cushion intact. The final 13–8 margin on the day sealed a 47–20 aggregate win and confirmed that Warriors end the Premiership season without a victory.

For Rhinos, the tie was a case of first‑round damage done, second‑round job finished. The 22‑point lead gave them a platform, and they used the second round to see the task through. With survival secured, the club can now turn full attention to planning for the 2027 Premiership season.

Final Aggregate Results

– Kakira Simbas 32–27 Hippos – Kakira stay up, Hippos relegated
– Rhinos 47–20 Warriors – Rhinos stay up, Warriors relegated

What happens to the relegated clubs?

Hippos and Warriors now drop into the Regional 15s Play offs where they have to battle for top spot. The division operates as the stepping‑stone back to the Premiership following XVs Promotional Playoffs.

For Hippos, the fall from last season’s Premiership finalists to Regional status is a significant setback, but also a clear call to reset. The club will need to rebuild around its core, refresh its squad, and push for a strong Championship finish to position itself for promotion back to the top tier.

For Warriors, the relegation is even starker, exiting the Premiership without a win to their name. The second tier gives them a chance to establish a competitive base, find consistency and work toward a long‑term return to the Premiership.

In both cases, the Regional 15s becomes the testing ground, the arena where they must prove they still belong among Uganda’s elite clubs.