Uganda’s pool stars are shining bright at the 2025 Ultimate African Pool Championship in Mpumalanga, South Africa, with both the men’s and women’s teams storming into their respective finals.
In the women’s singles, 2023 national champion Rukia Naiga swept aside She Pool Cranes captain Amina Faith Nganda 8–2 in the Life Two final on Friday evening.
The two will meet again in the Life One final tomorrow in another all-Ugandan showdown. Naiga booked her place with a 9–2 win over Marion Kisakye, while Nganda edged Jacinta Kajubi 7–6 in a tense semifinal.
Earlier, Naiga had beaten Rashida Mutesi 9–7, and Nganda saw off South Africa’s Prudence Nkosi 8–7. If Nganda wins the Life One final, the pair will face off again in a decisive grand final to crown the overall women’s singles champion, guaranteeing Uganda gold either way.
In the men’s team event, the Pool Cranes staged a stunning comeback to defeat Tanzania’s Cue Masters 13–9 at eBundu Lodge.
Trailing 7–3, Uganda rallied behind Joseph Kasozi, who won five frames, and Ibra Sejjemba, who sealed the victory.
Captain Caesar Chandiga had a shaky start, losing his first two frames, one to a golden break but the team’s resilience carried them through to the final against hosts South Africa A, who beat their B side 13–8 in the other semifinal.
The grand finals for both the men’s and women’s categories are set for tomorrow, with Uganda chasing a historic double at Africa’s biggest pool stage.
Finals
Women | Life One final | Saturday October 18
- Naiga Rukia Vs Amina Faith Nganda
Men | Final
- Uganda vs South Africa A (South Africa led by Aden Joseph, who beat their B side 13-8 in the other semifinal.)
