Ian Kazibwe made a triumphant return to the grand finale of the Nile Special National Pool Open on December 21, 2025, claiming victory at the Vibe Life qualifiers in Nyanama on Friday night.
Missing last year’s event after being beaten by Jamil Kateregga, Kazibwe had his revenge this time, eliminating Kateregga 5-1 in the quarterfinals.
His journey, however, nearly hit a snag in the Round of 16, where casual player Baker Hassan pushed him to the brink before Kazibwe edged through. This marks the second time Kazibwe has qualified for the grand finale.
‘Last year was tough, losing to Kateregga, but I came back stronger. I almost lost in the early rounds, but I kept my focus. Winning today and qualifying for the grand finale again shows the hard work pays off,’ Kazibwe, who was previously eliminated in the Round of 16 at Lugogo, said.
Kazibwe will be joined by casual player Laban Ariho and businessman-turned player Vincent Ssekibuule. Ariho stunned veteran Isaac Lwanga in the quarterfinals 5-3, while Kazibwe’s semifinal performance was flawless, whitewashing Ariho 5-0. Ssekibuule defeated 2009 champion Fred Namanya Bonde 5-1, sending Namanya to the losers’ bracket with a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.
The final lived up to the hype. Kazibwe, trailing 2-0, staged a comeback to defeat Ssekibuule 5-3 and claim the first qualifying place and the Shs100,000 cash prize.
Drama continued in the third-place playoff as Ariho denied Namanya a place in the final, taking victory in a decisive frame. Top seed Joseph Kasozi presented the winners with their cash prizes at a ceremony that concluded at 5am.
Meanwhile, the ladies’ first regional qualifier at Were Beri in Kireka also delivered drama. Former 2018 champion Ritah Nimusiima fell 5-4 to Sharon Oyenboth in the final, but both secured places at the Lugogo grand finale alongside Julie Namuhanga.
Last season’s standout, Rosette Kirabo, missed out after losing to Namuhanga in the second round.
‘I want another car. The one I won in 2018 is now old, but winning starts from here,’ Nimusiima said.
Regional qualifiers heat up
The action continues this weekend at multiple regional venues.
At Masaka Sports Club on Saturday, Henry Mbabaali will aim to qualify for the grand finale, facing a 32-man draw that includes youngster Simon Nsubuga, Timothy ‘Boika’ Lutaaya, and veteran Fred Muweesi.
At Adi’s Spot in Kireka, homegrown talents Moses Omara and Eddy Kawuki will seek to secure their places.
Sol View in Iganga will host Busoga’s top players, with regular qualifier Frank Mugabo expected to be among the frontrunners.
Amoo Bar in Namuwongo will see action on Friday, with Ivan Kanyesigye, Ivan Kafuleka, Solomon Nkwakira and Bruce Abahairwe among the main contenders.
King’s Spot in Mpala, Entebbe, will provide another opportunity for three players, with Eria Kimuli among those expected to challenge for qualification.
Nile Special National Open
Qualified
Vibe Life: Ian Kazibwe, Vincent Ssekibuule, Laban Ariho
Nature Gardens: Ahmed Kaddu, John Omunyin, Joseph Epodoi
Ladies – Were Beri: Sharon Oyenboth, Ritah Nimusiima and Julie Namuhanga
Top seeds- men: Joseph Kasozi, Mansoor Bwanika, Ibra Sejjemba, Ibrahim Kayanja, Caesar Chandiga, Glorious Ssenyonjo, Azali Lukomwa, Simon Lubuulwa