The countdown to the National Open Pool grand finale on December 21 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium is heating up, with the remaining qualification slots shrinking fast.
After a busy weekend across the country, only 45 of the 120 men’s places are still open. The final round of qualifiers at 15 centres this coming weekend will decide who joins the country’s best in Lugogo.
Qualifiers have stormed through Round Place in Gayaza, Vintage Lounge in Lira, Embassy Kizinda in Bushenyi, and several other venues including Mubende, Paidha, Kasubi, Wobulenzi, Ntinda, Mityana and Nansana.
Among the standout names were Conrad Mwinule, Emma Chuol, Mark “Wutang” Mukiibi, Gideon Bwanika, Andrew Lukwago, Yudah Ssembuusi, Ronald Wana, Humphrey Nsubuga, Tony Ssemakadde, Johnson Yiga, Farouk Mutumba, Abubaker Nakabaale and Mahad Mivule.
Townsend Bar in Ntinda delivered one of the weekend’s strongest highlights. Scrap Buyers coach Humphrey Nsubuga swept Johnson Yiga 5–0 in the final, while Tony Ssemakadde squeezed past Mustapha Bwire 5–4 in the semis before falling to Yiga in the third-place playoff. All three advanced.
Elsewhere, former stars felt the pressure. Veteran Navy Matovu was knocked out by Sadat Wamala in Gayaza, while Club 408’s Jimmy Sserugo exited in the Round of 16, clear reminders that these qualifiers are unforgiving.
This weekend features major stops including Casablanca in Wandegeya, Friends Corner Mbikko in Busia, where 2012 champion Alfred “Blacksheep” Gumikiriza is expected and Freedom Vybes in Arua.
Other venues include Moyo, Gulu, Rukungiri, Mbarara, Mubuku, Busega, Mbale, Kitgum, Kisoro and Fort Portal.
But many eyes will be on iTaano Arena in Mukono, where former national captain Habib Ssebuguzi returns to fight for one of only three available spots. He’ll be up against Allan Kayiwa and an eager group of rising talents.
The women’s qualifiers are also nearing completion, with just nine places left. The final contests will take place at Sol View in Iganga, Paul Games in Mbarara and Kings Spot in Entebbe.
So far, 19 women have booked their places in Lugogo, joining the top four ranked players who earned automatic entry.
Choice Bar’s trio, Sharon Mirembe, Brenda Kakyo and Goretti Kabasinguzi has been especially impressive.
