Sports 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Heathens Relocate Hippos Clash to Jinja to Avoid Walkover Amid Funding Woes

Heathens have shifted their Uganda Rugby Premiership match against Hippos to Jinja's Ruck Yard this Saturday, addressing Hippos' travel difficulties due to financial constraints. This move allows Heathens to pursue full points from a competitive game rather than a default 20-0 win. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/rugby/heathens-chase-full-points-over-walkover-5434218

As the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership nears its conclusion, Heathens have rescheduled their key fixture against Hippos to Jinja, preventing a potential walkover. Hippos cited travel issues to Kyadondo amid widespread funding shortages plaguing league clubs.

Heathens chairman Derekford Mugumisa revealed that Hippos contacted them over the weekend, prompting a collaborative solution. ‘We chose to work together and found this solution instead,’ he stated, opting for a full five-point opportunity over a routine forfeiture.

This follows Kakira Simbas’ recent failure to field a team against Stanbic Black Pirates, resulting in a 20-0 walkover. With three rounds remaining, the standings are tight—Toyota Buffaloes lead, but just 10 points separate them from seventh-placed Victoria Sharks.

Heathens sit fourth on 26 points, chasing the top spot, while Black Pirates (32 points) face Warriors and KOBs (31 points) take on Walukuba Barbarians. Nile Rapids will also host She-Wolves in Jinja, maintaining a full schedule.

Playoff positioning offers home advantages, making every match critical amid off-field pressures.

Upcoming Fixtures:

Women:

She Wolves vs Nile Rapids — Mbale
Avengers vs Ewes — Entebbe
Panthers vs Thunderbirds — Legends

Men:

Kakira vs Rhinos — Kakira
Walukuba vs KCB Kobs — Ruck Yard
Buffaloes vs Impis — Kyadondo
Mongers vs Victoria Sharks — Entebbe
Warriors vs Pirates — 5D Ranch
Hippos vs Heathens — Ruck Yard

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)