Makerere Impis: From Relegation and Near-Extinction to Premiership Contenders

The Makerere Impis rugby club, once relegated to the Central Regional Championship, has experienced a dramatic resurgence, transforming their home ground, aptly nicknamed ‘The Graveyard,’ into a fortress for top-flight competition.

Their return to the Premiership was anything but straightforward, involving a playoff battle against fellow Makerere-based club Lifeguard Rams, as only one could secure immediate promotion. The club’s struggles were rooted in a transitional period, losing key players and core status in the National Sevens Series.

New coach Alvin Nkamba, with a strong background in school-level rugby, implemented a structured approach. He focused on building a pipeline from rugby-playing schools, bringing together a squad of young players who already had established bonds. This strategy paid off immediately, as Impis went unbeaten in the Central Championship and secured promotion with a series of playoff victories.

This season, the Impis have not just competed but have thrived. They boast strong attacking and defensive statistics and have secured a spot in the playoffs. A key figure in their success is captain Darren Aine, a fullback who has set a new record for most points in a debut Premiership season. His leadership and athletic prowess have been crucial, alongside other standout players like captain Clarence Muhumuza and veteran Pius Mpoza.

A defining moment came in the quarterfinals against Kobs, where Impis overcame a first-leg deficit to achieve a stunning aggregate victory. Now set to face Toyota Buffaloes in the semifinals, Makerere Impis are proving that ‘The Graveyard’ is indeed a place of resurrection and new beginnings for the club.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/sports/rugby/impis-find-life-the-graveyard—5485580