KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Rugby Union and Nile Special launched the 2026 Rugby Premiership on Thursday, introducing a season-long campaign that identifies fans as the 16th Man.
The season begins Saturday for both men’s and women’s teams and will run for five months. Under the theme Greatness at Play, organizers said the competition aims to highlight the influence of supporters on the pitch.
Nile Special, the flagship brand of Nile Breweries Uganda Limited, plans to use a digital-led campaign to reward what it calls unmatched fans. The initiative includes on-ground activations and interactive experiences designed to amplify the atmosphere at match venues.
Rugby greatness does not live on the pitch alone, said Wangechi Gitahi, head of marketing for Nile Breweries. This season, we are celebrating the supporter as the 16th Man, the extra force that lifts teams, shifts momentum, and turns matches into unforgettable moments.
The partnership between the brewery and the Uganda Rugby Union continues a long-standing effort to professionalize the sport in the country. Officials said the 2026 season will focus on domestic talent and nurturing the growth of the game at the elite level.
Union leadership noted that the 16th Man concept symbolizes the loyalty and energy fans bring to the stadium, which serves as an extra force for players during competition.
The premiership remains the top tier of domestic rugby in Uganda, featuring the country’s most prominent clubs. Fans are encouraged to attend the opening matches this weekend to participate in the new campaign.
