After his maiden individual triumph as a pool player at the 2013 Kampala Pool Open held at Capital Pub in Kabalagala, Uganda’s Current seed 5, Salongo Asuman Bukenya has vowed to work with diligence and assume the top slot, currently occupied by Alfred ‘Black Sheep’ Gumikiriza.
“When you train hard and believe in yourself as a person, you can achieve the set targets”, Bukenya, a 26 year old father of twins told Kawowo Sports in an exclusive interview shortly after receiving his Shs 1,000,000 cash prize and trophy as the Kampala Open Champion.
To take the 2013 Kampala Open, Ssalongo adhered to his composed nerves and follow up shots enroute winning the championships that attracted a record 256 players from across the country.
“I believe i can be a seed one, its hard work and commitment, to win a major championship, you have to beat the best and become Seed 1”, a smiling Ssalongo, who plays for the 2013 Club Knock out champions, Skin Samona boldly asserts.
Ssalongo played the best ‘attack pool’ to win the championships. The early exits of the expected top dogs like Amos Ndyagumanawe, two time Kampala open winner, Sula Matovu (2011 and 2012), Black Sheep, Yves Kaneza, 2013 Easter Cup winner, Fahad Ssewankambo and the non participation of the reigning Nile Special 2013 pool Champion, Jona “Joker” Turigye acted to ease his progression path. He comfortably won in the opening two rounds before overcoming Rchard Kizito with a 3-0 ‘Cut’ in the round of 32, and Vicent Kalema in the round of 16 by the same margin.
He then beat Patrick Mujjuzi in the quaterfinals (4-2), Fred Namanya Bonde (5-2 in the semifinals) before overcoming Ntinda based pool player, Oscar Ocacakon 6-3 in a thrilling finale played before a capacity cheering crowd.
About Ssalongo Bukenya:
Full Names: Ssalongo Asuman Bukenya
Age: 26
Residence: Bunamwaya
Parents: Mazze Lyantonde (RIP) and Janet Nansubuga
Employer: Skin Samona Company Limited
Biggest Disappointment: Losing in the 2012 Christmas Pool Championships
Marital Status: Married with Carol Hadijah (two kids, Janet Babirye and Kato Sula)
Best Pool Shot: The Follow Up Shot
Pool Club: Skin Samona
Most Feared Opponent: I fear myself, no body
