She Pool Cranes crowned continental queens
Their triumph adds another historic milestone to what has already been a remarkable year for Ugandan sport.
She Pool Cranes after being crowned in South Africa
Uganda is once again basking in sporting glory after the national women’s pool team, the She Pool Cranes, emerged victorious at the 2025 Ultimate Pool Championship held in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
In a dazzling display of skill and determination, the She Pool Cranes claimed the coveted continental crown, reaffirming their status as the undisputed queens of the table.
Their triumph adds another historic milestone to what has already been a remarkable year for Ugandan sport. Just last week, long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo shattered records with a stunning 2:02:23 finish at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Naiga is the Africa female champ
Earlier in July, Caesar Chandiga, popularly known as “The Scorpion,” struck gold in the Heyball category at the Commonwealth Pool Games in Mauritius. In the same tournament, Joseph Kasozi earned silver in the Blackball category, while Rukia Naiga and Sheila Kisakye added bronze medals in Heyball and Blackball respectively.
At the 2025 Ultimate African Pool Championship, the She Pool Cranes delivered a commanding performance, crushing Namibia 13–1 in the final to retain their title in emphatic fashion. From the opening cue to the final frame, Uganda’s dominance was unmistakable.
Fielding two formidable squads in the main draw, the Ugandan women showcased a blend of sharp focus, precise execution, and unshakable team chemistry.
The standout performer was Rukia Naiga, the 2022 African champion, who added to her growing legacy by sweeping both the Life One and Life Two singles finals. In a dramatic twist, her opponent in both finals was her teammate and team captain, Amina Faith Nganda.
Naiga’s brilliance earned her the tournament’s Women’s Most Valuable Player (WMV) award.
“I’m grateful for this performance. Facing my teammates is never easy, but it’s always an honour to lift Uganda’s flag high,” Naiga said.
Earlier this year, Naiga also won the Queens International Double Life Annual Championship in Zimbabwe and is a former 2023 Nile Special National Pool Champion. Her sights are now set on the National Open scheduled for December.
She shares the spotlight with Africa’s pool icon, Chandiga “The Scorpion,” who won the male category title that same year and was named Africa’s top Heyball player.
While the women celebrated gold, Uganda’s men’s team came agonizingly close to glory. In a nail-biting final against hosts South Africa, Uganda led 10–8, only to see their advantage slip away in the closing frames.
The match came down to a single, decisive frame, where South Africa’s Thami Jabavu held his nerve to edge past Uganda’s Azali Lukomwa, sealing a dramatic 13–12 victory and delivering South Africa its first-ever men’s team title at the Ultimate Pool Championship.
Unlike traditional pool formats, Ultimate Pool rules allow only one shot after a foul, eliminating the two-shot advantage. The South African team, led by captain Eden Joseph, tactically exploited this rule, using intentional fouls to disrupt Uganda’s rhythm and force difficult table positions.
“This was a big moment for us. Uganda pushed us to the limit, but we believed until the last frame,” said Eden, who was named the tournament’s Men’s MVP.
Uganda’s top seed, Joseph Kasozi, expressed pride in his team’s performance.
“We gave it everything we had. Losing by just one frame hurts, but the team showed heart, and that’s something to build on,” he said.
Uganda’s delegation is expected to return home on the night of September 21 aboard Uganda Airlines, following the week-long event that concluded on October 18.
James Mwere, Chairman of the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU), congratulated both teams for their exceptional performances and the pride they have brought to the nation.
“Your victory is a testament to your dedication, skill, and perseverance. Winning the 2025 championship is a proud moment for Uganda, and your success will inspire future generations of pool players, especially young women,” Mwere said, while congratulating the She Pool Cranes.
He also praised the men’s team, noting that while they narrowly missed gold, their silver medal is a commendable achievement.
“Your second-place finish is nothing short of remarkable. Your sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the game have earned you the respect of your peers and fans worldwide,” he added.
Mwere emphasized that the tournament not only showcased Uganda’s talent but also served as a valuable learning experience for the national teams.