Uganda’s hopes in the men’s singles at the ongoing Ultimate African Pool Championship took a major blow as several top contenders crashed out earlier than expected, leaving only one male player, Azali Lukomwa, still in contention.
Early exits for Uganda’s Male Stars
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Caesar Chandiga, Uganda’s highest-ranked male player, suffered a surprise 7–6 defeat to South Africa’s Yacoob Shaik in the second life round. Having already lost in life one, Chandiga’s elimination capped a disappointing campaign.
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Ibrahim Sejjemba, who had earlier eliminated compatriot Rashid Wagaba 7–3, looked strong but let a 4–1 lead slip in the quarterfinals against Aden Carl Joseph (RSA), eventually losing 7–5.
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Ibrahim Kayanja also exited after a narrow 7–6 loss to 17-year-old Taufeeq Murray (RSA) in a second life match.
Only Azali Lukomwa remains flying the flag for Uganda on the men’s side. He is set to face Thami Jabavu (RSA) in life two.
Ugandan Women Dominate: All-Ugandan Semis in Life One
While the men faltered, Uganda’s women delivered a powerhouse performance, sweeping their way into an all-Ugandan semifinal lineup in life one.
Quarterfinal Results
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Jacinta Kajubi demolished 2018 national champion Ritah Nimusiima 7–0.
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Rukia Naiga blanked Namibia’s Jeanine Kloppers 7–0.
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Marion Kisakye outplayed Juliet Namuhanga 7–3.
Semifinal Lineups: Life One
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Nganda vs Kajubi
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Naiga vs Kisakye
Still in Play: Life Two
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Naiga will face fellow Ugandan and blood sister Mutesi.
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The winner between Kisakye/Nganda will meet the winner between Prudence Nkosi (RSA) and Yolindi “Lallie” Klue (RSA), two of South Africa’s strongest remaining women.
Summary: Uganda’s Standing
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Men: Major setbacks with only Azali Lukomwa remaining.
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Women: Utter dominance, all-Ugandan semifinal lineup and strong contenders in life two bracket.
Men’s Singles: Life Two
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Yacoob Shaik (RSA) bt Caesar Chandiga (UGA) 7–6
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Aden Carl Joseph (RSA) bt Ibrahim Sejjemba (UGA) 7–5
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Taufeeq Murray (RSA) bt Ibrahim Kayanja (UGA) 7–6
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Sejjemba (UGA) bt Rashid Wagaba (UGA) 7–3
Women’s Singles: Quarterfinals
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Jacinta Kajubi (UGA) bt Ritah Nimusiima (UGA) 7–0
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Rukia Naiga (UGA) bt Jeanine Kloppers (NAM) 7–0
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Marion Kisakye (UGA) bt Juliet Namuhanga (UGA) 7–3
Despite the male setbacks, Uganda’s women are rewriting the script, raising hopes for a potential clean sweep in the women’s division.
