Kenya Simbas relinquished the Victoria Cup as they lost 21-20 to Uganda at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala.
It was a sobering afternoon for the visitors, who were once again penalised at the breakdown in a topsy-turvy affair played on slippery ground.
The Simbas started brightly and took a deserved third-minute lead when fullback Jone Kubu sliced open the Uganda defense for the opening try which was not converted for a 5-0 lead.
Kubu turned provider minutes later laying Joel Inzuga to cross the line with Kubu converting for a 12-0 lead.
Uganda responded and began to dominate territory and possession and were awarded penalties which Ivan Magomu slotted home to reduce the deficit to 12-6.
The hosts finished the half stronger and got their opening try courtesy of Conrad Wanyama with Magomu slotting the extras as they led 13-12 at the interval.
On resumption, Kubu drilled a penalty for the Simbas to lead 15-13 but the Ugandans kept on fighting and duly scored a try midway through the half through Joseph Oyet to lead 18-15.
Inzuga managed to restore Kenya's lead with a five-pointer to lead 20-18 but Lewis Walker of Uganda scored a last-minute penalty to send the crowd into raptures as Cranes bagged the trophy. The two sides meet in Kisumu on Saturday for the Elgon Cup.
