KCB KOBs End Trophy Wait in Style, Lift Kyabazinga 7s Crown
David GOMBE
KCB KOBs have finally got their hands on gold. After coming agonisingly close in previous stops of the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series, the Blue Army turned persistence into silverware on Sunday, overcoming Rams RFC 22–19 in a thrilling Kyabazinga 7s final at Bugembe Stadium in Jinja.
The victory marks KCB KOBs’ first tournament triumph of the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series, and could not have come at a more crucial point in their campaign, with only one stop remaining. More importantly, it was the manner of the victory that sent a message.
KCB KOBs did not lose a single game throughout the two-day tournament, finishing the weekend with 127 points scored and only 72 conceded across six matches, a commanding display of attacking firepower and defensive resilience.
The road to the trophy, however, was anything but easy. The team opened their campaign on Saturday in Pool C with a 17–10 victory over Rams RFC, before beating Mbale Elephants 31–21. They completed the pool stage with a 19–10 win over Plascon Mongers, finishing unbeaten and booking their place in the knockout stages.
They then returned on Sunday with the same intensity and dismantled Plascon Mongers 26–7 in the quarterfinal, before edging Stanbic Black Pirates 12–5 in a tense semifinal, setting up a repeat meeting with Rams RFC in the title decider. The final proved to be the sternest test of the weekend.
Rams came out firing and put KCB KOBs under immediate pressure, taking their chances early to establish a 12–5 half-time lead. But rather than buckle, the boys dug deep, absorbed the pressure and came roaring back after the break.
Brian Wandera and Shafik Okole crossed for tries, before Josiah Ssempeke and Rasul Abiriga added further scores as KCB KOBs turned up the attacking pressure. Rams mounted a late response, but the Blue Army held their composure and shape to close out a dramatic 22–19 victory and claim the Kyabazinga 7s crown.
Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank Uganda, congratulated the team on the breakthrough victory, noting that the triumph reflects the values that continue to drive both the club and its partnership with KCB Bank Uganda.
“This victory is a powerful reminder that success is often built through persistence. KCB KOBs have continued to show up, compete, and push themselves even when the results did not immediately go their way, and this trophy is a reward for that resilience. We are proud to stand with them and celebrate this important milestone. At KCB Bank Uganda, we believe in supporting platforms that nurture talent, build confidence, and give young people the opportunity to excel. This win is a celebration for everyone who believes in the power of sport to inspire and transform lives.”
The win has also significantly strengthened the team’s position in the race for the 2026 Uganda Rugby 7s Series title. The side entered the Kyabazinga 7s in fourth place with 60 series points. Their tournament victory earned them 22 additional points, taking their tally to 82 points with one stop remaining.
For KOBs captain Josiah Ssempeke, it is the beginning of something bigger. “It feels great to win the Kyabazinga 7s after having near misses in the previous stops. It’s going to be a stepping stone for us in general to get back to fighting for Gold in both 7s and 15s. We’ll maintain the same focus going into the last stop and hope for the best.”
KOBs 7s Coach Trevor Tusiime believes the victory is the result of a system that has been steadily building throughout the season.
“We have been knocking on the door for quite a while. I think the squad has been performing tremendously well over the stops, with progress in every circuit regardless of who is playing and who is not. I am not shocked we are winning it at this stage; rather, the system was not built for immediate glory but to stick for years of future 7s success regardless of who is playing. This victory will push a certain positive energy moving forward; one would call it KCB KOBs back.”
Attention now shifts to the Kabaka Coronation 7s, the Grand Finale of the Uganda Rugby 7s Series, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at Mutesa II Royal Stadium, Wankulukuku.
With the Uganda Cup season also on the horizon, KCB KOBs will be looking to carry the momentum from Jinja into the next chapter of their campaign. After spending much of the season knocking on the door, the Blue Army have finally broken through. They have their trophy. Now, the real question is: can they turn this breakthrough into a championship run?