The year ended in style at the Mukono iTaano Arena, where cracking cue sticks, frayed nerves and roaring fans set the stage for a memorable PAU End of Year Pool Championship.
By night’s end, Joseph Kasozi and Rukia Naiga stood tall as deserving champions.
The packed arena was treated to finals that delivered everything promised tension, drama and quality as Uganda’s top pool players battled for pride and silverware.
Joseph Kasozi produced his finest performance when it mattered most, edging Mansoor Bwanika 9–8 in a men’s final that swung back and forth until the last frame.
Kasozi raced into a 6–2 lead, only for Bwanika to mount a spirited comeback and force a decider.
With the pressure peaking, Kasozi kept his composure, claimed the final rack and sealed a victory that reflected his grit throughout the tournament.
He had earlier sent a strong message by crushing defending champion Ibrahim Kayanja 7–0 in the semifinals. The win earned Kasozi the men’s title and a top prize of three million shillings.
In the women’s category, Rukia Naiga capped an impressive season with a calm and controlled final win over Ritah Nimusiima.
Naiga’s path to the title was demanding but convincing. She beat Victoria Namuyanja in the quarterfinals, outplayed Rashida Mutesi in the semis and then delivered a composed final performance to clinch the crown and reaffirm her consistency at the top level.
Pool Association of Uganda chairman Bob Trubish praised the championship as a perfect close to the season.
“The standard was excellent, and the finals showed how much the game has grown,” he said, commending both champions for their composure under pressure.
Final Standings
Men
1. Joseph Kasozi
2. Mansoor Bwanika
3. Ibra Sejjemba
Women
1. Rukia Naiga
2. Ritah Nimusiima
3. Marion Kisakye
Prize Money
Men: Kasozi — Shs 3m; Bwanika — Shs 1m; Sejjemba — Shs 750,000.
Women: Naiga — Shs 1.5m; Nimusiima — Shs 800,000; Kisakye — Shs 400,000.
