Uganda’s men’s pool team cruised into the knockout stage of the All Africa Ultimate Pool Championship in Mpumalanga, South Africa, after an outstanding run of results, while the women’s side fell short in the group stage but earned a chance to redeem themselves in Saturday’s final against Namibia.
Led by captain Caesar Chandiga, the men dominated their group, winning all their matches. They opened with a commanding 20–5 victory over Namibia A, edged Namibia B 15–10, and sealed top spot with an emphatic 18–7 win over Kenya’s Mchana.
Chandiga, in superb form, won all five frames against Namibia A and dropped just one frame in each of the other two matches. His consistency and calmness anchored Uganda’s charge.
He was backed by Simon Lubuulwa, who lost only two frames all day and sits second in the tournament’s MVP standings, behind South Africa’s Jerry Ganda Ganda.
Head coach Nathan Bwakosya praised his side’s composure and efficiency.
“The boys have been clinical from the start,” he said. “The knockouts are a new challenge, but I’m confident we can maintain this level.”
Uganda will face Mchana (Kenya) again in the quarterfinals after the Kenyans scraped through with a dramatic win over Namibia’s Collins Tuwei sealing the decider after his opponent snookered himself on the black.
While the men celebrated progress, the Ugandan women endured a tough campaign, losing 8–17 to South Africa C, 9–16 to South Africa B, and 1–24 to Namibia.
Though they missed the quarterfinals, they’ll have one more chance for redemption in Saturday’s final rematch against Namibia, a chance to close their tournament on a high.
Focus now shifts to the singles events, which began Wednesday evening. Chandiga, in red-hot form, is among the top contenders as Africa’s best battle for individual glory.
