Uganda is making a statement at the 2025 Commonwealth Billiards Games in Mauritius, with four standout players charging into the semifinals, a historic feat that’s stirring pride back home.
- Kisakye Marion dominates in Blackball
Top seed Kisakye Marion, widely known as Ankah Sheila or “The Anchor,” cruised to the women’s Blackball semifinals with a commanding 5–0 win over Malawi’s Mercy Phiri. After a cautious start, Marion settled in and took full control.
“I was scared at first,” she admitted, “but then my heart told me I can.” Now one win away from the final, Marion is focused: “Uganda must shine.”
- Rukia Naiga rallies in Heyball
Naiga Rukia pulled off a dramatic comeback in the women’s Heyball category. Down 1–2 to India’s Neena Praveen, Rukia stormed back with six unanswered frames to win 7–2.
She now faces Indian veteran Vidya Pillai. After such a bold turnaround, Rukia carries momentum and belief.
- Ceasar Chandiga shocks English favourite
In one of the tournament’s most thrilling matches, Ceasar Chandiga edged England’s Chris Melling in a nail-biting Heyball quarterfinal. Tied 7–7, the match went to a shootout, where Ceasar kept his cool to win in sudden death.
Beating a seasoned pro like Melling has earned Ceasar both a semifinal berth and international attention.
- Kasozi Joseph survives Zambia test
Top-ranked Kasozi Joseph advanced in the men’s Blackball category with a narrow 7–6 win over Zambia’s Kelvin Nkandu. The match went down to the wire, but Kasozi’s experience saw him through.
As Uganda’s top hope in the men’s draw, Kasozi is on track to live up to expectations.
With all four players; Marion, Rukia, Ceasar, and Kasozi into the semifinals, Uganda’s cue sports team is turning heads. Months of preparation by the Pool Association of Uganda are paying off, and the dream of gold is now within reach.
As Marion said with a smile, “You’ve seen the right people. We’re going to bring this home.”
