As the countdown continues to the grand finale of the Nile Special National Open Pool Championship on December 21, 2025 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, the fight for the remaining qualifying spots is heating up.
Following a series of gripping matches across the country, only 45 of the 120 men’s slots remain, with this weekend’s qualifiers set to determine the final hopefuls.
Fifteen venues across Uganda will host the decisive rounds, including Casablanca in Wandegeya, Friends Corner Mbikko Super Guest House in Busia, where 2012 champion Alfred Gumikiriza “Blacksheep” will feature, and Freedom Vybes in Arua.
Other locations include Moyo, Gulu, Rukungiri, Mbarara, Mubuku, Busega, Mbale, Kitgum, Kisoro, and Fort Portal.
All eyes, however, will be on iTaano Arena in Mukono, where former national team captain Habib Ssebuguzi will battle for one of three coveted slots in the finals alongside veteran Allan Kayiwa and a cadre of rising stars.
The weekend qualifiers also produced intense action at venues such as Round Place in Gayaza, Vintage Lounge in Lira, Embassy Kizinda in Bushenyi, Cares Pub in Mubende, Da Chillaz in Paidha, Upper Volta in Kasubi, Kakande’s Bar in Wobulenzi, Townsend Bar in Ntinda, Prime Shooters in Mityana, and Hashtag in Nansana. Players making headlines included Conrad Mwinule, Emma Chuol, Mark “Wutang” Mukiibi, Gideon Bwanika, Andrew Lukwago, Yudah Ssembuusi, Ronald Wana, Humphrey Nsubuga, Tony Ssemakadde, Johnson Yiga, Farouk Mutumba, Abubaker Nakabaale, and Mahad Mivule.
Townsend Bar in Ntinda delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances.
Scrap Buyers’ head coach Humphrey Nsubuga dominated Johnson Yiga 5-0 in the final to secure his place in the grand finale.
Tony Ssemakadde, who narrowly beat Mustapha Bwire 5-4 in the semifinals before losing the third-place playoff to Yiga, also advanced, ensuring Townsend Bar will be represented by Nsubuga, Yiga, and Ssemakadde.
Elsewhere, veteran Navy Matovu’s campaign ended prematurely at Round Place in Gayaza, falling to Sadat Wamala, while Club 408’s Jimmy Sserugo exited in the Round of 16-a reminder that even established players face fierce competition in the qualifiers.
The women’s category is equally competitive. Only nine qualifying slots remain, with the final rounds set at Sol View (Iganga), Paul Games (Mbarara), and Kings Spot (Entebbe).
A total of 19 players have already secured their places, joining the top four ranked women who automatically advance, completing a 32-player field for the grand finale. Choice Bar’s team, including Sharon Mirembe, Brenda Kakyo, and Goretti Kabasinguzi, has been among the top performers.
With the final qualifiers underway, anticipation is building for a grand finale that promises drama, high-level skill, and the crowning of Uganda’s top pool talent.
