Uganda’s women’s pool team has once again proven their mettle on the continental stage, delivering a commanding 13-1 victory over Namibia to retain the Ultimate African Pool Championship title in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
At the heart of this triumph was 2022 African champion Rukia Naiga, whose unstoppable form saw her win both the Life One and Life Two singles finals,ironically, against her teammate and team captain Amina Faith Nganda. Naiga’s double triumph earned her the Women’s MVP title, cementing her status as one of the sport’s leading talents on the continent.
“I’m grateful for this performance. Facing my teammates was tough, but it’s always an honour to win for Uganda,” Naiga said, already setting her sights on clinching a second national open title in December.
Uganda’s women were untouchable throughout the tournament, fielding two dominant teams in the main draw and showcasing both depth and consistency.
The men’s team came agonizingly close to securing their own title. In a nail-biting final, Uganda led hosts South Africa 10–8 before the home side mounted a dramatic comeback to edge the match 13-12. The decisive frame saw South Africa’s Thami Jabavu narrowly beat Uganda’s Azali Lukomwa, handing South Africa its first-ever men’s team title.
“This was a big moment for us. Uganda is always a tough side, but we kept believing,” said Joseph Aden, South Africa’s eam captain.
Uganda’s stand-in captain Joseph Kasozi praised his team’s performance despite the narrow defeat. “We gave it everything. Losing by one frame is painful, but I’m proud of the team’s fight,” he said.
The Ugandan contingent is expected to return home aboard Uganda Airlines on Tuesday night, with celebrations likely awaiting the triumphant women’s team.
This latest win adds yet another chapter to Uganda’s growing legacy in continental cue sports and underscores the nation’s rising dominance, particularly in the women’s game.
