Ahead of the 2026 Rugby 15s league, teams rushed to the transfer market to secure valuable additions to their squads.
Heathens were the most active, bringing in 17 new players to bolster their squad. On the other hand, the Jinja Hippos were the biggest losers in the market, painfully having to let go of the biggest chunk of their premiership final reaching squad.
Black Pirates, the defending champions, made only three key signings and secured a permanent move for last season’s marquee signing, Ariho Muhumuza.
The following players walked straight into their new teams and immediately hit the ground running. This isn’t a conclusive list but rather the writer’s opinion, based on extensive coverage of the sport over the last 5 months.
1. Yasin Waiswa (Flyhalf, Buffloes)
Waiswa walked into that Buffaloes side, and one could immediately get the feeling that he belonged. He had to fill the huge shoes of Rugby Cranes flyhalf, Liam Walker, and he did so immaculately.
He was at the heart of everything the Buffaloes did this season, scoring tries, slotting in penalties and conversions, and generally dictating the flow of the game.
In the premiership final, he once again came close, scoring 19 of Buffaloes’ 29 points, but they were still not enough.
2. Shakim Ssembusi (Outside back | Center, Entebbe Mongers)
On this list, Ssembusi is one of the 3 wise men who came from the East to shake tables in the premiership.
By now, everyone knows what the former Walukuba Barbarians man can deliver, as he has done for club and country. His move to the Mongers reignited a fire in a team that was on a downward spiral, only surviving relegation the season before last.
Ssembusi arrived at the Entebbe side with more than one role to play, and he executed. He was the primary goal kicker in a season where the Mongers lost William Lukwago to the KOBs, Robin Odrua to the South Coast Pirates in Kenya, and Edgar Kairu, who missed out on the opening games of the season.
3. Davis Shimwa (Center, Black Pirates)
Shimwa was one of the three signings the Pirates made at the start of the season, alongside youngsters Elijah Kantinti and Daniel Musyoka, with the latter two coming straight out of high school.
Shimwa earned a starting role at Center, alongside the experienced Isaac Massa and Eric Mulamula.
On the local scene, he was a major cog at Pirates, but it was on the regional scene in the Enterprise Cup where Shimwa showed that he’s built for the big stages.
Additionally, Shimwa is a Uganda 7s international and will be valuable in the upcoming National 7s, as the Pirates chase the treble.
4. Julius Opio (Lock, Heathens)
Swapping the experienced Scott Oluoch for the young Julius Opio looked like bad business from the outside, but coach Tolbert Onyango knew exactly how to deploy his new signing.
Opio has formed a formidable partnership with Joshua Kafugakande at lock, with the departure of Charles Uhuru and the absence of Simon Diego Olet.
Opio, together with Kafugakande and Aziz Khan, have been lineout threats and beasts at defence this season.
5. Humphrey Asiligwa (Winger, Victoria Sharks)
Asiligwa is the 3rd wise man from the East in this list. He joined the Victoria Sharks from Kenya, alongside Kenya International, Paul Mutsami and Warren Kamadi.
Kamadi had challenges settling in, while Mutsami got off to a great start but faded along the way, but it was Asiligwa who went all the way with the Sharks.
His aerial prowess ensured the Sharks’ backfield was covered at all times, but his try-scoring and kicking were the biggest assets for the University side.
Honourable mentions: David Wako (Heathens), Paul Mutsami (Victoria Sharks), Emmanuel Odoi (Heathens), Mark William Lukwago (KOBs), Allan Olango (Victoria Sharks), Brian Wandera (KOBs), Matthew Musasizi (Heathens)