Ian Kazibwe and Ritah Nimusiima headlined a thrilling weekend of action as both secured their places at the Pool National Open Grand Finale slated for December 21 at Lugogo. Their contrasting journeys—one powered by redemption, the other by a quest to reclaim glory, have set the stage for a showdown rich with storylines.
Kazibwe, who painfully missed out on last year’s finale, delivered a statement performance that erased any doubts about his return. He dismantled Jamil Kateregga 5–1 in the quarterfinals before outclassing Vincent Ssekibuule 5–3 in the final to top the men’s qualifiers. His run was far from straightforward, though, as he had to grind past a stubborn Baker Hassan in the Round of 16—an early test that sharpened his resolve.
The ladies’ category offered its own dose of drama courtesy of former champion Ritah Nimusiima. Although she fell narrowly to Sharon Oyenboth 5–4 in an edge-of-the-seat final, Nimusiima walked away with her objective intact: a return to the grand finale and a chance to reclaim the crown she once wore with distinction.
Nimusiima’s hunger is fueled by more than pride. “I want another car. The one I won in 2018 is now old, but winning starts from here,” she declared, her ambition echoed in the fierce competitiveness that defined the qualifiers. She will now join Oyenboth and Julie Namuhanga in the final lineup.
With top seeds such as Joseph Kasozi, Mansoor Bwanika, and Ibra Sejjemba all preparing to stake their claim, the December 21 finale promises to be a clash of form, fire, and legacy. If the qualifiers are anything to go by, Lugogo is set for a blockbuster finish to the pool season.
