Why the Enterprise Cup could be East Africa rugby’s next big thing

“Who knows, it could be the beginning of an East Africa or an African Champions League for rugby, something that really now builds a club competition before we get to the international level.”

These were the words of Uganda Rugby Union CEO Isaac Lutwama, reflecting on the long-awaited return of Ugandan clubs to the historic Enterprise Cup.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Fixtures released by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) show that four Ugandan sides, Kobs, Heathens, Pirates, and Buffaloes, will face Kenya’s top four clubs, KCB, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, and Nondescripts RFC in quarterfinal ties scheduled for Saturday, 21 March. This marks the first appearance of Ugandan teams in nearly two decades.

First contested in 1930, the Enterprise Cup has a rich history of regional participation, previously featuring teams from Uganda and Tanzania.

The now-defunct Kampala RFC famously lifted the trophy four times between 1956 and 1970.

Kenya Sevens center explains acquiring second degree after graduating as an engineer

More recently, Ugandan powerhouses Heathens, Kobs, and Pirates competed in the 2000s, with Kobs reaching the quarterfinals in 2008.

The revival of cross-border competition has been welcomed as a step toward strengthening regional rivalries and raising playing standards.

“It builds back the regional rivalry that we had at club level, but it also now gives our boys a chance to play competitive games at a higher level before they get to play the same players, probably at international level,” Lutwama said.

“This intention to create a vibrant competition for the region is not a bad one, but it also allows our players to keep developing themselves,” he added.

Following successful rounds of 16 and quarterfinals in both countries, the cross-border competitions will begin at the quarterfinal stage in a knockout format, with two matches in Kampala and a similar number in Nairobi.

Kenya Lionesses coach on role international players will play at HSBC SVNS 2

Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, 11 April, with hosting rights determined by the victorious teams.

Kenyan winners will be in Nairobi, while Ugandan winners will be hosted in Kampala.

Kenya Sevens head coach emphasises role of fans in achieving success at HSBC SVNS 2

The final, set for Saturday 23 May, will alternate annually between the two countries.

Beyond immediate competition, organizers envision a long-term expansion across East Africa.

“Eventually, the competition could include clubs not only from Uganda and Kenya but from across the wider region. If Zimbabwe is willing to join, why not bring their clubs to compete? Something bigger could develop,” Lutwama said.

Cross Country Quarters | Saturday 21 Mar 2026

Cross Country Semis | Saturday 11 Apr 2026

Final | Saturday 23 May 2026