The Nile Special National Pool Open Championship qualifiers delivered a stunning twist as former national team captain Habib Ssebuguzi bowed out earlier than expected, sending shockwaves through Uganda’s pool fraternity. Once considered a guaranteed finalist, Ssebuguzi failed to book a place at the season-ending showdown, marking one of the most surprising eliminations of the qualifiers.
Ssebuguzi’s campaign came to an abrupt halt in the second round after a ruthless 5–0 defeat by Julius Ssemanda Bisimba at iTaano Arena in Mukono. The result carried an ironic edge, as the venue is managed by Ssebuguzi himself, turning familiar territory into the stage for an unforgettable setback.
Amid the disappointment, Scrap Buyers teammate Lawrence Ssengonge found an unlikely lifeline. Ssengonge, who had been knocked out by Bruno Kabuga, was reinstated after Kabuga was disqualified for double registration, allowing Ssengonge to progress and keep his title hopes alive.
Elsewhere, Alfred Gumikiriza, popularly known as “Blacksheep,” announced his return in emphatic fashion. After missing last year’s qualifiers, Gumikiriza sealed qualification as the second-best player from Busiia, underlining his resilience and renewed ambition on the national stage.
With the qualifiers complete, attention now shifts to the grand finale at Lugogo Indoor Stadium this weekend. As the country’s finest cueists converge for the final battle, the stage is set for high drama, fierce rivalries, and a championship that promises to be as unpredictable as the road that led there.
