Sports 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Ex-Hippos Players Propel Stormers to Eastern Rugby Playoff Berth

Stormers RFC, powered by former Jinja Hippos players, clinched the Eastern Regional League title with a 25-10 win over Mbale Elephants. The top two from the national playoffs will gain promotion to next season's Premiership. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/rugby/ex-hippos-core-powers-stormers-to-playoff-spot-5425858

Stormers RFC has secured a spot in the National Regional League playoffs after dominating the Eastern Regional League. Formed just six months ago amid a player exodus from Jinja Hippos, the team quickly rose to prominence, thrilling fans at Kakindu Grounds.

Their campaign kicked off with a 40-13 rout of Busitema Boons in Busia, followed by a 60-16 demolition of Soroti Raptors at home. The decisive final saw them edge Mbale Elephants 25-10, sealing top position.

In the showdown, Stormers struck first via Rahim Kaziba’s penalty. Terry Okore powered over for a try, and Tawfiq Bagalana converted Anthony Ssegawa’s effort for a 15-0 halftime lead. Bagalana added a penalty and his own try post-break, extending to 25-0 before Elephants scored late.

Mbale Elephants had impressed earlier, thrashing Soroti Raptors 41-0 and getting a walkover against Busitema Boons. Stormers, guided by ex-Hippos chairman Joshua Wakabi, coach Silver Kenyi, and technical director Tim Grover, now eye national rivals.

The Eastern Region results:

Round 1: Mbale Elephants 41-0 Soroti Raptors; Stormers 40-13 Busitema Boons
Round 2: Stormers 60-16 Soroti Raptors; Mbale Elephants 20-0 Busitema Boons (walkover)
Round 3: Stormers 25-10 Mbale Elephants; Soroti Raptors 11-10 Busitema Boons

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)