LUGOGO, Kampala: Caesar Chandiga delivered a masterclass at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on yesterday, reclaiming the Nile Special National Pool Open Championship with a commanding 9–5 victory over Rashid Wagaba in the men’s final.
The final began brightly for Wagaba, who surged into a 2–0 lead and looked settled early on. However, costly mistakes on the black ball shifted momentum decisively. Chandiga, the 2023 champion, pounced on the errors and produced a ruthless run, dropping just two more frames as he swept through the next nine to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
“It was all about staying calm and waiting for the right moments,” Chandiga said after the final. “Once I got my rhythm, I just focused on closing out the frames.”
The triumph etched Chandiga’s name deeper into the history books, making him only the third player to win the prestigious championship twice, joining Fahd “Joker” and Muto in an elite club.
The final also carried a strong league narrative, as Upper Volta teammates Chandiga and Wagaba outshone rivals from reigning league champions Roxberry. Roxberry’s captain Ibra Sejjemba and top seed Joseph Kasozi both exited at the semifinal stage, ceding the spotlight to Upper Volta’s pair.
An emotional Chandiga celebrated the victory on the arena floor alongside his Zambian wife and mother, soaking in the moment after the final ball dropped.
In the women’s final, Rashida Mutesi finally claimed her long-awaited breakthrough, defeating defending champion Marion Kisakye 7–4 to lift her maiden national crown. Mutesi raced into a 3–0 lead before Kisakye threatened a comeback midway through the match. Showing composure and maturity, Mutesi regrouped to shut the door and secure a memorable victory.
“This win means everything to me,” Mutesi said. “I’ve been close before, so to finally become national champion is very special.”
Uganda Pool Association (UPA) President Bob Trubish hailed the championship as a landmark event for the sport, highlighting both its competitive success and broader impact.
“We successfully executed the Nile Special National Open Finale, the event saw PAU issue its 12th and 13th cars overall, with nine of those awarded during my tenure. When I took over as chair in 2017, one of my main goals was to transform the lives of our players,” Trubish said. “I’m proud that we have achieved that by issuing nine cars under my leadership.”
Trubish praised the strong turnout, noting that Lugogo Indoor Stadium was filled to capacity by 4pm, with thousands more following the action online.
“I thank all the fans who turned up physically, those who watched on livestream and everyone who followed on social media,” he said. “Your support continues to grow the game.”
He also extended appreciation to clubs, regional associations, officials, media partners and sponsors, with special recognition for Nile Breweries, the event’s long-term strategic partner.
“Nile Breweries have now sponsored 13 cars, which is a massive contribution to the development of pool in Uganda,” Trubish said. “We urge all stakeholders to continue supporting Nile Special as our number one beer of choice.”
Trubish concluded by congratulating the champions and finalists, while acknowledging the discipline shown by over 5,000 players who participated nationwide from the mini-qualifiers to the grand finale.
“Congratulations to Rashida Mutesi and Caesar Chandiga on their historic wins,” he said.
The 2025 Nile Special National Pool Open closed with renewed optimism, celebrating excellence on the table and reaffirming the sport’s rising profile across the country.
