The Lions Cup, arguably the most competitive and longest-running rivalry in Ugandan rugby, returns this weekend against a backdrop of defeats for the KOBs and Heathens in the Enterprise Cup.

While the other eight league teams were resting, KOBs and Heathens were two of the four teams representing Uganda in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals against Kenyan sides.

For most Ugandan fans, the KOBs were the favourites to advance to the semifinals as the only Ugandan side, but they were defeated by the Nondies in Nakuru.

The Heathens fielded a largely inexperienced side against Kabras Sugar RFC, and the scoreboard after the 80 minutes accurately reflected the proceedings of the day.

One could argue that both sides were saving their best for this not-so-little dance, and now it’s time for business.

In the recent past, the Heathens have gotten the better of the KOBs in this fixture, with the most infamous of these coming in 2023, where the Heathens won home and away. In both games, the KOBs were disgruntled by the officiation, but it was in that return leg at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds where they reached the tipping point.

The following season, after the Premiership took on a championship format, the two sides played out a mouth-watering semifinal where they each won a leg, but were separated by points for the Heathens to advance to the final and win the league.

Last season, the Lions Cup was a wet and feisty affair that ended in a tie at Kyadondo. The KOBs went into the game as favourites, but did everything possible in their power not to win the game. Poor decision-making in prime attacking areas cost the KOBs, who could have easily gone home with the win.

The then KOBs head coach, Timothy Mudoola, reflected on this after the game, saying, “A lot of decision-making was done wrong,” a vice that shouldn’t reappear this Saturday if the KOBs are to put up a great performance.

In the Heathens forwards pack are two players who know the KOBs all too well. Julius Opio and Jude Jjuuko signed for the yellow machine this season and shall be going back to a place they once called home.

On the other end, the veteran Scott Oluoch will be there to welcome back his former side to Naguru, with the hopes of upsetting his former employers. 

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Marvin Odong has lined up 23 men that he trusts to do the job against KCB Rugby in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinal.

The reigning Premiership champions and Uganda Cup winners will play the closing game of the day at the Muteesa II Royal Stadium, Wankulukuku on Saturday.

Ugandans and Pirates fans in particular have every right to smile and be confident ahead of this fixture, as their team has pulled out all their big guns.

The Pirates front row has Ariho Muhumuza and Nathan Bwambale starting together for the umpteenth time this season, while the lock pairing of Emong Eliphaz and Frank Kidega has been consistent at second row.

Moses Zziwa and Alex Aturinda are the other mainstays in the starting forwards. Alema ‘Didi’ Ruhweza returns to the team while Sydney Gongodyo, who has been a menace off the bench, starts in place of Humphrey Tashobya, who is on the bench.

The Pirates’ backline is largely unchanged, except for the introduction of Jeremiah Okello and Roy Kizito on the wings.

Coach Odong maintains his halfback and center pairings from their last outing in the local league against Impis. The experienced Minister of Defence, Isaac Massa captains the team and has midfield cover in Timothy Kisiga, who starts at fullback, and Eric Mula on the bench.

KCB Rugby, on the other hand, is without the services of the likes of King George Oroo and Samuel Asati, who are away with Kenya Shujaa in the HSBC Division II in South America.

However, they still pose a threat through other Kenya Simbas like halfback Brian Wahinya and forwards Wilhite Mususi and Andycole Omollo.

It now comes down to execution from either side, as the players they have named are good enough to win the game on the day

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Ugandan fans have labelled Kabras Sugar RFC as a Kenya Simbas reincarnation, and they have every right to.

The Kakamega-based side squad to face the Heathens in Kampala this Saturday is majorly composed of Kenya Simbas that competed at the Rugby Africa Cup held at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, last year.

Of the 23 players, 12 were in that Simbas squad that travelled to Uganda in July of 2025, a fact that creates genuine concern for all patriots rooting for a Ugandan side to advance.

While the Rugby Cranes 15s set up found no use for the veteran prop in Asuman Mugerwa, Kabras are intent on milking every last scrum and carry left in him. He lines up at the front row with Kenya International props Ephraim Oduor and Edward Mwaura. Other Simbas teammates Eugene Sifuna and Teddy Akala will dictate matters at the hooker position.

The biggest boost for Kabras ahead of the Enterprise Cup cross-border quarterfinal is the return of flyhalf Jone Kubu. The naturalised Simba of Fijian descent has featured for the 15s and Shujaa as well. Kubu has been struggling with an injury and hasn’t featured much in the Kenya Cup, save for that bench appearance against the Menengai Oilers last week.

Kubu’s return, alongside Barry Young, is going to be a challenge for the Heathens halfback pairing of youngsters Marvin Asaba and Malcom Okello. But Kubu isn’t the only threat in that Kabras backline. Walter Okoth is going to ask many questions of the Heathens midfield, while Griffin Chao will be tearing it down at the wing.

Whereas this is a one-sided affair on paper, there is no BUT for the Heathens. Experienced players like Aaron Ofoyrwoth will have to dig deep to carry the Kyadondo side ahead this Saturday.

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