Sports 22 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Thunderbirds Crowned Champions in Dramatic Coronation Sevens Final
In a thrilling conclusion to the women's Kabaka Coronation Sevens, the Thunderbirds secured the championship title via a coin toss after a fiercely contested match against Nile Rapids ended in a draw. The victory also clinched the overall Uganda Rugby Sevens title for the Thunderbirds. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/rugby/kyadondo-reigns-as-thunderbirds-rapids-serve-a-spectacle-5604208
The Kabaka Coronation Sevens culminated in a nail-biting spectacle for the women’s title, with Thunderbirds and Nile Rapids locked in a battle that defied normal time and even sudden death.
Jemima Namukose put Rapids ahead with a first-half try, but Grace Nabaggala quickly equalized for Thunderbirds after the break. Shaine Babirye extended Rapids’ lead, only for Namukose to be sin-binned late in the game. Thunderbirds capitalized, with Proscovia Mukyala scoring to level the scores at 10-10 and force a sudden-death period.
With neither team able to find a winning score even in extra time, Rapids captain Tina Akello’s decision to kick the ball out led to an unusual but decisive coin toss. Thunderbirds called correctly, earning them the tournament championship.
This victory was pivotal for Thunderbirds, as it secured them the overall 2026 Uganda Rugby Sevens series title, having entered the final round with a slim one-point lead. They finished the circuit with 121 points, ahead of Nile Rapids (112) and Avengers (100).
Grace Nabaggala was recognized as the Women’s Series Most Valuable Player, receiving a motorcycle for her outstanding performances.
In the men’s competition, Platinum Credit Heathens completed a dominant season by winning the Coronation Sevens and clinching the overall title. They defeated Kobs 22-0 in a crucial semi-final and then overcame Walukuba 17-7 in the final to seal their championship.
Heathens finished the series atop the standings with 112 points, followed by Stanbic Black Pirates (99) and KCB Kobs (97). Allan Karuhanga of Heathens was named the Men’s Series MVP.
The 2026 circuit also saw Rhinos and Mbale Elephants relegated from the top division.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)