Race to Lugogo heats up as National Open Pool Championship nears

The chase for places at the Nile Special National Open Pool Championship grand finale is reaching fever pitch. With just days to go before the December 21, 2025 showdown at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Uganda’s finest cueists are battling fiercely for every remaining slot.

Of the 120 places in the men’s draw, only 45 are still up for grabs. The latest weekend of qualifiers delivered fresh drama, rising stars, surprise exits, and emphatic performances that have reshaped the race.

Across the country, the competition has been relentless. From Gayaza to Wobulenzi, Kasubi to Paidha, Mubende to Ntinda, and Lira to Bushenyi, contenders seized their chances in style. Conrad Mwinule dazzled in Bushenyi, Emma Chuol lit up Paidha, while Mark “Wutang” Mukiibi, Gideon Bwanika, Andrew Lukwago, Yudah Ssembuusi, Ronald Wana, Farouk Mutumba, Abubaker Nakabaale, and Mahad Mivule all made bold statements about their ambitions for Lugogo.

The standout story unfolded at Townsend Bar in Ntinda, where Scrap Buyers’ head coach Humphrey Nsubuga stormed to a commanding 5-0 victory over Johnson Yiga in the final. Yiga had earlier edged past Tony Ssemakadde in a tense 5-4 semifinal, with all three eventually booking their tickets to Lugogo—cementing Townsend’s reputation as one of the weekend’s most successful battlegrounds.

Not all big names survived the cut. Former national team star Navy Matovu’s campaign ended abruptly in Gayaza at the hands of Sadat Wamala, while Club 408’s Jimmy Sserugo bowed out in the Round of 16, a reminder that reputation alone counts for little in these qualifiers.

The road now leads to the decisive final round of qualifiers at 15 venues nationwide. Casablanca in Wandegeya, Busia’s Friends Corner Mbikko Super Guest House, where 2012 champion Alfred “Blacksheep” Gumikiriza is set to feature and Freedom Vybes in Arua headline a crucial weekend that will determine the last entrants. The biggest spotlight, however, falls on iTaano Arena in Mukono, where former national captain Habib Ssebuguzi faces veteran Allan Kayiwa and a hungry pack of challengers, with only three slots available.

Women’s race tightens

In the women’s draw, just nine places remain before the 32-player lineup is complete. Upcoming qualifiers in Iganga, Mbarara, and Entebbe will decide the final entrants. So far, 19 women have sealed their spots, joining the four top-ranked players who earned automatic passage to Lugogo. Among the standouts is the Choice Bar trio, Sharon Mirembe, Brenda Kakyo, and Goretti Kabasinguzi, whose consistent performances have marked them as early title contenders.

With the final weekend of qualifiers upon us, the stage is nearly set. Uganda’s best pool players are lining up their last shots, aiming for a place under the bright lights of Lugogo, where precision, nerve, and championship ambition will collide in what promises to be the most thrilling finale yet.

Defending champions and elite contenders

Defending champion Marion Kisakye, popularly known as Ankah Sheila and currently Uganda’s top female seed, returns to the table determined to extend her dominance. She and Mansoor Bwanika were crowned the 2024 Nile Special National Open Pool champions, with Bwanika securing his second national title after his 2018 triumph and Kisakye celebrating her maiden victory. The 2023 crowns went to Ceaser Chandiga “The Scorpion” and Rukia Naiga in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

This year, all eyes are on the elite contenders poised for another run at glory. The men’s field features top-seeded cueists Joseph Kasozi, Ceaser Chandiga “The Scorpion,” Mansoor Bwanika, Ibra Ssejjemba, Ibra Kayanja, Glorious Ssenyonjo, Azali Lukomwa, and Simon Lubulwa. The women’s contest brings together defending champion Marion Kisakye, former winner Rukia Naiga, alongside Rashida Mutesi and Amina Faith Nganda.

They will be tested by a hungry pack of newcomers, seasoned seniors, and hardened veterans like Jonan Turigye “Joker” all chasing the ultimate crown that comes with a brand-new car, a trophy, a medal, and a cash prize.