The penultimate round of the Pool Queen qualifiers concluded over the weekend, with strong contenders emerging from across the region.
The highly anticipated Jinja finals, featuring 32 women and 64 men vying for the coveted title, will be held on June 21-22 at Paradise Spot in Jinja.
While the qualifiers saw established favourites secure their spots, there were also some surprises at various venues.
In Kitgum, Sharon Ayaa and Scovia Tracy Auma successfully advanced, but a major upset occurred in the second round when heavy favourite Esther Lagum was unexpectedly eliminated by Winnie Alumo.
The men’s qualifiers also saw familiar faces rise to the top. Ivan “Rabadaba” Pwonya from Gulu emerged victorious, alongside Ivan Ogenrwot, Samuel Ogenrwot, and Geoffrey Ojok.
In Masaka, favourites took centre stage at Cloud 9 Arena. Pool Cranes star Glorious Ssenyonjo lived up to his reputation, defeating Paul Kalema in a nail-biting 7-5 final.
Joining Ssenyonjo on the road to Jinja will be Timothy ‘Boika’ Lutaaya and Fred Muweesi. Masaka’s regional coordinator, Cosmas Segawa, threatened an upset but was stopped by Kalema in the quarterfinals.
The women’s competition in Masaka was equally dramatic. With only two spots available, Rose Namugerwa emerged victorious in a tense final against her close friend Brenda Nasasira (5-4).
Sharon Mirembe secured her place in the Entebbe finals after a hard-fought battle against Priscilla Nampala. Nampala, despite falling short, displayed a strong performance and vowed to return to Jinja a stronger competitor.
Desire Muhindo and Gift Natukunda, who emerged victorious from Kasese, highlighted the power of local rivalries. Muhindo credited her success to stiff competition with Gorreti Kabasinguzi from Fort Portal.
The Pool Queen qualifiers conclude this weekend at Upper Volta in Kasubi. All eyes are now on Jinja, where these regional champions will converge for a showdown to determine the ultimate Pool Queen and King.
Last weekend’s Pool King/Queen Qualifiers:
Masaka
Men: Glorious Ssenyonjo, Paul Kalema Tomothy Boika Lutaaya & Fred Muweesi.
Women: Rose Namugerwa, Brenda Nasasira
Kitgum
Men: Ivan Opwonya, Ivan Ogenrwot, Samuel Ogenrwot and Geoffrey Ojok.
Women: Sharon Ayaa & Scovia Tracy Auma
Entebbe
Men: Caleb Muhiirwe, Gideon Mawa, Eria Kimuli & Benon Isoke
Women: Sharon Mirembe & Priscilla Nampala
Kasese
Men: Fazil Tulinawe, Moses Businge, Kadika Twinamasiko & Moses Kato.
Women: Gift Natukunda & Desire Muhindo.
Courtesy Photos
