Hippos bounce back with derby win over Kakira

Saturday results

Kakira 10-23 Jinja Hippos

Entebbe Mongers 28-14 Rhinos

Impis 16-10 Heathens 

Warriors 00-29 Walukuba Barbarian

Buffaloes 17-23 Pirates

Victoria Sharks 10-10 KCB Kobs

After suffering a bruising home defeat to Toyota Buffaloes last weekend, Jinja Hippos coach Edmond Quaresma was pleased with his side’s response as they returned to winning ways with a 23–10 victory over local rivals Kakira Rugby Club at Kakira Polota Playground on Saturday.

Youngster Hassan Gidudu delivered a man-of-the-match performance, tormenting Kakira’s defense with his relentless runs down the wings. He needed just two minutes to open the scoring with a try, giving Hippos an early 5–0 lead.

Four minutes later, another rising star, Brian Ruseke, crossed down the left flank after another industrious run from Gidudu. Veteran captain Maxwell Ebonga added a conversion and a penalty to stretch the lead to 15–0.

As halftime approached, Kakira’s Deo Mawa reduced the deficit with a well-struck penalty, sending the teams into the break at 15–3.

Kakira returned from the interval with renewed energy, and coach Saidi Atibu’s halftime talk seemed to inspire his players. Two minutes into the second half, Eric Omandi scored a try to narrow the gap further.

Both sides then missed two penalties each, but Ebonga’s experience proved decisive. He slotted home a crucial penalty late in the game, effectively sealing the win and silencing hopes of a Kakira comeback.

Coach Quaresma praised his side’s resilience:

“I was happy that my boys showed up in this derby today despite facing five former teammates who made it difficult for us to play our usual game. This win will definitely inspire better results against bigger teams.”

Kakira’s coach Atibu admitted his team struggled in the first half:

“We had a shaky start that made our lives difficult. We came back stronger in the second half against a very good team that stuck to its game plan of possession. But we need to improve and find the winning touch.”

Around the League

Elsewhere, Makerere Impis stunned record league champions Heathens with a 16–10 victory. Entebbe Mongers recorded their second consecutive win, defeating last week’s surprise leaders Rhinos 28–14.

Reigning champions Pirates came from behind to edge Toyota Buffaloes 23–17 at Kings Park, while Walukuba Barbarians bounced back with a convincing 29–0 win over Warriors at Legends.

Meanwhile, Victoria Sharks battled to a 10–10 draw against KCB Kobs, rounding off a weekend full of surprises and statement wins.