Joseph Kasozi and Rukia Naiga were crowned winners of the male and female 2025 Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) Pool Championship held at the Itaano Arena in Mukono on Sunday night.
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, allowing Kasozi back to the table. The current seed one 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 BLACKSHEEP, in the semifinals. In the men’s classification match, Ibra Sejjemba claimed third place after defeating Kayanja 7–2.
NAIGA CLOSES SEASON ON A HIGH
In the women’s category, Rukia Naiga finally 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 semifinal 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 came to a close in Mukono.
(Compiled by George Katongole/PAU Publicity Secretary)
