Joseph Kasozi and Rukia Naiga emerged as winners as the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) End of Year Pool Championship which concluded at iTaano Arena in Mukono on December 28, 2025.
Kasozi wrapped up an outstanding season by edging Mansoor Bwanika 9–8 on a tense decider to claim the men’s title and the top prize of Shs3 million.
The final swung dramatically, with Kasozi opening a 6–2 lead before Bwanika staged a strong comeback to force a decider.
The turning point came on the final rack when Bwanika missed a crucial yellow trying to play safety, thus allowing Kasozi back to the table.
The seasoned campaigner made no mistake on his return, calmly clearing the table to seal victory.
On his route to the title, Kasozi was ruthless. He demolished defending champion Ibrahim Kayanja 7–0 in the semifinals in under 30 minutes, having earlier eliminated Simon Lubuulwa in the quarterfinals and Lawrence Ssengonge in the last 16.
Bwanika reached the final after beating Alfred Gumikiriza, popularly known as “Black Sheep” @ LACKSHEEP, in the semifinals.
In the men’s classification match, Ibra Sejjemba claimed third place after defeating Kayanja 7–2.
African pool queen, Naiga also closed the season on a high note.
In the women’s category, she ended the season as champion after missing out in the earlier individual tournaments.
Naiga defeated long-time rival Ritah Nimusiima in the final to clinch gold. Her run to the title included a dominant 7–2 semi-final victory over her younger sister Rashida Mutesi and a 5–2 quarterfinal win against multiple winner Victoria Namuyanja.
Nimusiima had enjoyed a strong run to the final but struggled in the decider as Naiga took control. Marion Kisakye finished third overall.
The two-day championship attracted top players from across the country, with Pool Association of Uganda chairman Bob Trubish attending as chief guest and praising the quality and competitiveness on display as the season ended in Mukono.
