64 pool players gear up for Soroti independence tournament

A total of 64 pool players from across the Teso sub-region have set their sights on the Soroti City Independence Tournament, scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Soroti Nature Gardens.

The championship aims to unite both local and national talent from districts including Amuria, Kapelebyong, Soroti, Kalaki, Bukedea, Serere, Kumi Municipality, Kumi District, and Kaberamaido.

Successful participants will walk away with cash prizes, adding competitive flair to the Independence Day celebrations.

Samuel Ocen, Teso Region Pool Coordinator and chief organizer of the event, described this year’s edition as bigger and better organized than previous ones. “This year we are coming back stronger and better. We expect it to be more competitive and entertaining as we join the rest of Ugandans in celebrating independence through the sport of pool,” said Ocen.

According to him, the tournament winner will receive sh400,000, while the first and second runners-up will take home sh300,000 and sh200,000 respectively.

Among the standout contenders are Samuel Oiko, John Omunyin, and Tom Ebuut—all of whom represented the Teso region at the 2025 Nile Special Grand Finals held at Lugogo.

“I’m happy to have qualified for this year’s national pool grand finale. I’m confident that the experience I gained will help me perform well in Soroti,” said Oiko, who has missed out on prizes in the last three editions of the Independence tournament. “I’ll approach each game with enjoyment. While there are more seasoned professionals out there, I’m determined to perform at my peak,” he added.

Meanwhile, defending champion Samuel Ebuut is optimistic about his chances. “It’s yet another great opportunity to win at Nature Gardens. I’ve stepped up my preparations and I’m ready for the tournament,” he said.