The race to the National Open Pool Championship grand finale intensified over the weekend as qualifiers across the country produced new stars, major upsets and the early fall of several big names.
From Gulu to Hoima, Busega to Mukono, the road to the December 21 showdown at Lugogo Indoor Stadium suddenly looks wide open.
Gulu: Giants fall early
Gulu delivered the first big shocks of the weekend.
Seasoned contenders Walter Odoki, Ivan Opwonya and Simon Komakech all bowed out early, clearing the way for Colline Abonga, Aron Opiyo and Sammy Komagum to qualify.
Fans at Code 8 were stunned as the region’s top guns fell one after another.
Matugga: Muganza floors former Champion
At Koma Gardens in Matugga, two-time national champion Jonan “Joker” Turigye survived a dramatic semifinal against John Ssemwogere, coming from 3–1 down after a time out to seal his place at Lugogo.
Moments later, however, he was swept aside 5–0 by an inspired Derrick Muganza, who earned his first ever ticket to the national finals and dominated the afternoon.
Despite the defeat, Turigye remained upbeat.
“The goal was to reach Lugogo. That’s where champions are made. I’m going to fight to win a third national title,” he said.
He will join fellow qualifiers Ivan Ssenyonjo and Muganza.
Masindi, Busega, Jinja, Hoima produce fresh contenders
Café Milano in Masindi welcomed the rise of Upper Volta’s Joseph Rwotokanya, who qualified alongside Mark Bahemurwaki and Jimmy Ategeka.
Happy Boys in Busega sent forward Ibulahimu Ssewali, Benard Isoke and Philip Masiko, while Paradise Spot in Jinja produced Peterson Mulo, Eric Ugabo and Imran Magero.
Hoima’s Chill and Bite completed the lineup with qualifiers Juma Tomusange, Sammie Kadde and Justus Ntegeka.
In Malaba, former national champion Alfred Gumikiriza made a welcome return after missing last year’s event.
He advanced from Winkers Pub with Hamidu Baale, Richard Oyet and Vicent Okello, signaling a renewed push toward regaining old form.
Women’s Qualifiers: Newcomers shine, Stars stumble
The women’s qualifiers delivered plenty of drama. At Club Vortex in Kitgum, Abigail Amaro, Dosylyn Aciro, Babra Lakica and Ann Lakot progressed from a fiercely competitive field.
Lakot stunned veteran Hadia Luwanga, while Aciro knocked out home favourite Kevin Aber in a gripping quarterfinal.
In Mukono’s iTaano Arena, national team star Jacinta Kajubi was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Upper Volta’s Prossy Namuli.
The top two qualifiers, Valeria Mbudyowere and Florence Nakato, booked their first-ever places at the national finals.
Road to Lugogo: High stakes ahead
With former champions searching for redemption and newcomers making bold statements, this year’s grand finale promises one of the most competitive fields in years.
When the lights come on at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on December 21, the battle for national glory will be fierce and wide open.
