Gaborone, Botswana , Ultimate African Pool Championship
Uganda’s campaign at the 2025 Ultimate African Pool Championship has taken a dramatic turn, with the national men’s team faltering under pressure while the women’s side delivered a masterclass, storming into an all-Ugandan semifinal lineup.
On the men’s side, it was heartbreak and missed chances.
Top seed Caesar Chandiga suffered a shock exit in the second life round, losing a tense 7-6 battle to South Africa’s 19-year-old prodigy Yacoob Shaik. The Ugandan star looked out of sync throughout the match, gifting his opponent crucial frames in a performance that raised questions about form and preparation.
Ibrahim Sejjemba, who had earlier eliminated teammate Rashid Wagaba 7-3 in the Round of 32, looked poised for a semifinal berth after racing to a 4-1 lead against South Africa’s Aden Carl Joseph. But in a dramatic collapse, Sejjemba failed to close out the match, allowing Joseph to mount a thrilling comeback and seal a 7-5 win.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Kayanja endured a tournament to forget, bowing out in both lives , including a nail-biting 7-6 loss to 17-year-old South African sensation Taufeeq Murray.
With only Azali Lukomwa left flying the Ugandan flag, hopes now rest on a solitary cue in a tournament that promised much more for the men.
But while the men struggled, the Ugandan women turned the championship into their own showcase of dominance.
In an unprecedented show of depth and skill, Uganda has secured all four semifinal spots in the women’s draw. Captain Amina Faith Nganda leads the charge and will face Jacinta Kajubi, who stunned former national champion Ritah Nimusiima 7-0 in a ruthless quarterfinal display.
On the other side of the bracket, Rukia Naiga , fresh off her own 7-0 demolition of Namibia’s Jeanine Kloppers , takes on the composed and tactical Marion Kisakye.
“This is what we trained for,” said Nganda. “We came here as a team, and we’re proving Uganda’s women are a force on the continent.”
With South African stars Prudence Nkosi and Yolindi “Lallie” Klue eliminated, Uganda is now guaranteed the women’s title , a historic first for the country at this level.
As the championship nears its climax, Uganda’s story is one of contrast: a men’s team left searching for answers, and a women’s squad rewriting history.
