Uganda’s pool scene may have seen limited individual action this year, but the Nile Special-sponsored National Open finale promises fireworks.
With a car, a pool table, and cash prizes up for grabs, 128 of the nation’s best cueists are ready to test their skill, and their fortune, at Lugogo this Sunday.
History suggests that in this championship, luck often outweighs form. In the tournament’s 14-year history, no player has ever successfully defended their title, and this year, defending champion Mansoor Bwanika enters the finals struggling with form and health, leaving the door open for a new winner.
The qualifiers have already produced shocks. Two-time former champion Fahad Ssewankambo was eliminated at Casablanca in Wandegeya, while former national team captain Habib Ssebuguzi also failed to make the cut.
Yet a new wave of talent is emerging. Players like Glorious Ssenyonjo, Joseph Rwotokanya, Moses Omara, Julius Ssemanda, Kenneth Odong and Ian Kazibwe have shown they can challenge the favourites and are capable of causing major upsets in the grand finale.
Among the 128 qualifiers, only five-Bwanika, Ceaser Chandiga, Alfred Gumikiriza, Amos Ndyagumanawe and Jonan Turigye, are former champions, making this year’s tournament wide open.
With other top seeds such as Ibrahim Kayanja, Glorious Ssenyonjo and Simon Lubuulwa in the mix, this year’s finale is set to be fiercely competitive.
Observers agree that the luck of the draw will play a pivotal role. Early matchups could see top seeds eliminated before the quarterfinals.
Hungry contenders
Seeded number one, Joseph Kasozi comes into the grand finale with a point to prove. Fresh from his victory at the PAU Grand Open in Fort Portal, Kasozi has been ruthless all season and is hungry for the prize car.
After last year’s semifinal loss to eventual champion Mansoor Bwanika, an 8-2 defeat he is eager to avenge, Kasozi will be hoping to go one step further this time.
Ceaser Chandiga arrives as one of the favourites. Although he narrowly missed out on winning the league with Upper Volta, finishing behind Roxberry, Chandiga had a strong season, placing third at the PAU Grand Open after a 6-4 semifinal loss to Kasozi.
Chandiga has dominated weekly competitions and regional tournaments across Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In July 2025, he claimed the Commonwealth Heyball Championship in Mauritius and also competed at the Joy Heyball International Open.
This year, he has taken steps into the Ultimate Pool Professional Series at Premier Suite, Bolton, UK, showcasing his growth on the international stage.
Defending champion Mansoor Bwanika has had a difficult year. Since winning last year’s championship by edging Ibra Ssejjemba 7-6 at Lugogo, his prize car was involved in a crash in Masaka.
Bwanika’s health has also been a concern, forcing him to miss national team trials for the squad that competed at the African Ultimate Championships in South Africa.
With form not on his side, defending the title will be a steep challenge. In a tournament where no champion has ever repeated, perhaps only a miracle could see him retain the crown.
Azali Lukomwa, last season’s quarterfinalist, is another player to watch. A fighter by nature, Lukomwa combines grit with precision and is among the most in-form players heading into Lugogo.
Having recently joined Roxberry, he is ready for what he describes as the ‘fight of my life.’ Though he rarely participates in weekly competitions, preferring money races against individuals, his ability to rise to big occasions makes him a serious contender.
Ibra Ssejjemba, the Roxberry captain, is also seeking redemption. Last year, he squandered a promising advantage and even missed the awards ceremony in disbelief. With a supportive team behind him and a lethal cue in hand, Ssejjemba remains one of Uganda’s top players. Despite an early second-round exit at the PAU Grand Open in Fort Portal at the hands of Paul Kalema, he has the skill and, crucially, the luck of the draw needed to compete for the elusive car this year.
Top seeds – men
Joseph Kasozi
Mansoor Bwanika
Ibra Ssejjemba
Ibrahim Kayanja
Ceaser Chandiga
Glorious Ssenyonjo
Azali Lukomwa
Simon Lubuulwa