Overview:
Meanwhile, the pool fraternity will this weekend head to Northern Uganda to for the women’s day championship in Kitgum district.
2025 PAU Grand Open:
Winners:
Main championship:
- Men: Joseph Kasozi
- Ladies: Rashida Mutesi
Masters (Over 40 years):
- Winner: Dauda Miti
Juniors (U-17):
- Winner: Junior Asiku
The 2025 Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) grand open championship held in the tourism city of Fort Portal, Western Uganda lived to its anticipated billing.
The pool family gathered at Grafton Lounge for the two day-event that for the first time entailed four distinct clusters; Open (men and women), Juniors (under 17), and Seniors (40 and over).
The respective winners; Joseph Kasozi (men main open), Rashida Mutesi (ladies main open), Dauda Miti (masters) and Junior Asiku (juniors) all deservedly worked their way to the podium.
Kasozi dethroned last year’s champion Habib Ssebuguzi whilst Mutesi replaced Marion “Ankah Sheila” Kisakye.
Ssebuguzi was defeated 4-1 by teammate Ibrahim Kayanja in the third round, and Kisakye lost 2-1 to Sylivia Nankindu of Genesis Pool Club in the second round.
Kasozi delivered a masterclass performance in the men’s category, his 6-4 semi-final victory over Caesar Chandiga being a highlight of the championship.
In the final, he convincingly defeated seasoned Dan Mubiru 7-3.
I am happy with how I played. I felt focused and confident throughout the event. This tournament was very tough. The level of play was so high, especially in that semi-final against Chandiga. Every match was a battle. I have to give credit to Dan Mubiru. He played a great tournament, and he pushed me in the final.
Joseph Kasozi, PAU Grand open winner (Men)
For Mutesi, her victory in the women’s category was equally impressive, culminating in a 5-2 win over Julie Namuhanga in the final.
During the semi-finals, Mutesi out-muscled her sister Lukia Naiga 5-1 whilst Namuhanga had stopped Rosette Kirabo 4-1.
Mutesi had dismissed Sumayiyah Namutebi 4-1 in the quarter-finals with Namuhanga getting the better of Slyvia Nankindu 2-1.
Winning the season-opening Grand Open is a huge boost. It sets the tone for the rest of the year. I am looking forward to the rest of the season, and hope to keep this momentum going.
Rasida Mutesi, 2025 PAU Grand open winner (Ladies)
The senior’s category was won by Dauda Miti who defeated Ezekiel Kinyangwa 3-1 in the final.
Miti had overcome Kevin Kato 3-2 in the semi-finals with Kinyangwa out-smashing Kasim Seguya 4-0 during the other contest.
Junior Asiku, a highly rated young player won the U-17 category overcoming Jonathan Ntwali 5-2 in the final.
In the semi-final contests; Asiku came top 4-2 over Yahaya Mpindi and Ntwali had won 4-0 over Drake Wasswa Kayanja.
Meanwhile, the pool fraternity will this weekend head to Northern Uganda to for the women’s day championship in Kitgum district.
The national men’s league will return on Sunday, 9th March 2025.
Pictorial
