- The Enterprise Cup returns to its original cross- border format on Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the first time since 1999.
- Four Kenyan teams will square off against four elite Ugandan sides in a cross-border showdown at the quarterfinal stage.
- Oilers and Nondies will host Uganda’s Toyota Buffaloes and KCB KOBs, while Platinum Credit Heathens and Stanbic Black Pirates will welcome Kabras Sugar and KCB Rugby.
For the first time in over two decades, the Enterprise Cup – one of Africa’s oldest tournaments, will return to its original cross-border East African format.
Starting on Saturday, March 21, four of Uganda’s premier rugby 15s sides will take on their regional rivals from Kenya’s finest clubs, in a cross-country straight knockout tournament beginning at the quarterfinal stage.
On that note, Menengai Oilers and Nondescripts will host Ugandan sides Toyota Buffaloes and KCB KOBs at the ASK Nakuru Showground.
Meanwhile, Platinum Credit Heathens and Stanbic Black Pirates will welcome Kenya’s most formidable sides in recent years; Kabras Sugar, the defending champions, and KCB Rugby, at the Muteesa II Royal Stadium in Wankulukuku.
ALSO READ: Oilers’ title hopes dashed again as Kabras complete five-peat in Enterprise Cup
Enterprise Cup 2026 preview
Thus, Nondies the record champions will square off against KCB KOBs at 1pm, setting the stage for last year’s finalists, Menengai Oilers, who will battle Toyota Buffaloes at 3pm.
On the Ugandan side, Heathens will kick things off against defending Kabras Sugar at 2pm, while Black Pirates take on KCB at the same venue from 4pm.
According to Uganda Rugby Union (URU) officials, Uganda’s representatives were determined using the Uganda Cup rankings.
Black Pirates won that competition in December, edging Heathens in the final, while KOBs had a narrower losing margin in the semifinals compared to the Buffaloes, to make up the final top-four rankings; Pirates, Heathens, KOBs, and Buffaloes.
On the other hand, 16 Kenyan clubs entered this edition in December 2025 at the Round of 16 stage.
The winners advanced to the in-country quarterfinals and, thereafter, the semifinals in matches where most of them faced little resistance from opponents due to financial logistics.
ALSO READ: Kabras into fifth consecutive Enterprise Cup final to face first-time challengers Oilers
Speaking ahead of the fixtures, Heathens head coach Tolbert Onyango described the tournament as an ideal opportunity for Ugandan sides to test their mettle against Kenyan opposition.
He noted that, despite many teams undergoing transition, this presents a valuable benchmark for performance.
“It’s a crucial time for Ugandan teams to size themselves up against the Kenyan teams and see where we are at in terms of our level of rugby. Obviously, most teams are undergoing some sort of rebuilding, and it will be interesting to see how they match up against our formidable opponents from Kenya,” remarked the Heathens gaffer.
At the end, winners from the cross-country quarterfinals on March 21 will proceed to the cross-country semifinals on April 11, and the last two teams standing will face off in the final on May 30.
When was the last time the Enterprise Cup was played as a cross-border tourney?
Now in its 96th year since it was founded in 1930, the Enterprise Cup is the second-oldest rugby tournament in Africa, trailing only South Africa’s Currie Cup.
The four Ugandan teams will be going all out for it as they aim to become the first Ugandan side since 1999 to compete in this tournament.
They will also be looking to reclaim this title, with only one Ugandan team – now-defunct Kampala RFC, having ever laid hands on this historic silverware.
They did so four times, claiming it in 1956 and achieving a three-peat from 1968 to 1970.
Enterprise Cup 2026 Quarterfinals, 21st March
In Uganda
- Heathens vs Kabras Sugar – Muteesa II Royal Stadium, Wankulukuku – 2pm EAT
- Black Pirates vs KCB Rugby – Muteesa II Royal Stadium, Wankulukuku – 4pm EAT
In Kenya
- Nondescripts vs KCB KOBs – ASK Nakuru Showground – 1pm EAT
- Menengai Oilers vs Buffaloes – ASK Nakuru Showground – 3pm EAT