The National Pool Open Championship qualifiers delivered a weekend of upsets, breakout performances, and fierce battles as players across the country fought for spots at the grand finale on December 21 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
In Masaka, the script flipped. Rookies stole the show at Masaka Sports Club, where Ramecca Mugwanya shocked top seed Henry Mbabaali 5–2 to earn his first ever qualification.
Mugwanya’s fearless run included eliminating veteran Timothy “Boika” Lutaaya in the round of 16.
Mbabaali, usually a safe bet for the finals, looked off his game and admitted poor preparation cost him, marking his first failure in four years to qualify as Masaka’s best.
Teenager Simon Nsubuga sealed the region’s third slot.
At King’s Spot in Entebbe, home fans were left stunned after Gideon Mawa edged local favourite Eria Kimuli 5–4 in a tense final.
Mawa then swept past Isma Segujja 5–1 to secure Entebbe’s top seed. Kimuli steadied himself in the playoff to take the last slot.
In Kireka, experience ruled. Moses Omara delivered one of the weekend’s most commanding runs, crushing Steven Ddumba 5–1 in the final to earn his third straight grand finale appearance.
Earlier, Omara had knocked out national captain Rashid Wagaba 5–2. Wagaba regrouped and won the playoff to take Kireka’s last ticket.
The ladies’ qualifiers in Soroti also welcomed new faces. Competing for the first time, Maggie Acio outplayed visiting challengers to qualify as top seed at Nature Gardens.
Michelle Nandawula took second, while Debborah Ibenu, PAU Women’s Affairs chairperson, claimed the last slot after beating Skin Samona’s Rehema Nanyondo.
With more regional qualifiers coming up, the race keeps heating up.
Upcoming fixtures:[Friday November, 28 – Saturday November, 29]
Men – Friday: Paradise Bar (Jinja), Code 8 Arena (Gulu), New Edge Bar (Ibanda), Café Milano (Masindi)
Men – Saturday: Chilies Bite (Hoima), Koma Gardens (Matugga)
Ladies – Friday: iTaano Arena (Mukono)
Ladies – Saturday: Club Vortex (Kitgum)
