KIU Crows Secure Historic Promotion to National 7s Series

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Western Campus — KIU Crows secured promotion to the 2027 Uganda Rugby 7s Series after reaching the final of the second core-status qualifier at Kampala Rugby Grounds on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026.

The Crows lost 15-5 to Hima Impis in the final but had already done enough to secure one of the two available promotion places.

The qualification marks a significant milestone for the KIU rugby programme, with the Crows becoming the first team from Western Uganda to qualify for the national 7s series.

The Crows entered the decisive qualifier with momentum after winning the opening core-status tournament at Ruga Ruga Sports Complex in Busukuma, Gayaza, on September 12th.

They defeated Kakira Simbas 10-7 in the final to win the first qualifier and establish themselves among the leading contenders for promotion.

The team maintained its strong run in the second qualifier, reaching the final after another victory over Kakira Simbas in the semifinals.

Hima Impis eventually ended the Crows' title hopes with a 15-5 victory in the final, but the result did not affect KIU's promotion.

The two teams will now join the 2027 Uganda Rugby 7s Series following the introduction of a promotion and relegation pathway designed to provide non-core clubs with an opportunity to compete for places in the national competition.

The achievement adds to an impressive year for the Crows.

In April, KIU retained the Western Uganda Men's Regional XVs Rugby League title after completing an unbeaten campaign. The Crows defeated Buddu Bears 22-9 in the final in Masaka to finish top of the regional standings with 18 points.

The back-to-back regional title was the club's fourth Western Uganda championship and followed their 2025 title triumph.

The Crows will now turn their attention to preparing for their first season in the national 7s series, where they will face some of Uganda's established rugby clubs.

For KIU, the promotion provides another opportunity for its athletes to compete at the highest level while strengthening the university's growing presence in Ugandan sport.

The Crows' qualification caps a breakthrough year for KIU rugby and opens a new chapter for the Western Campus side on the national stage.