By Lubulwa Edrine
Mansoor Bwanika and Marion Kisakye defied all odds and emerged victorious in a thrilling 2024 Nile Special national pool championship grand final held at MTN Arena in Lugogo yesterday night.
Bwanika commonly known as “MUTO ” wons the 2024 Nile Special Open Pool Championship after defeating Ibrahim Ssejemba (7-6) in an exciting final.
The 2018 champion joins Fahad Ssewankambo (2014 & 2017) & Jonah Turigye (2010 & 2013) as the only players to win the championship on two occasions and also becomes the first pool player to win 8 tournaments in one calendar year.
Bwanika eliminated the 2024 Jinja pool championship winner, Joseph Kasozi (6-5) in the semi final clash to advance to the national finals while Ibrahim Sejjemba defeated Simon Lubulwa aka ‘The Computer’ (8-2). Bwanika, displayed remarkable resilience through out the championship soldering his reputation as 2024 pool king.
On another hand Marion Kisakye crowned has been crowned the ladies’ winner after defeating Amina Nganda.
Kisakye had exceptional performance this year with recently being crowned Queen of pool at the jinja pool championship after defeating the 2023 National pool championship winner Nayiga Rukia.
The grand finale championship lured as many as 128 men and 64 ladies also witnessed by the General Secretary of National Council of Sports (NCS) Bernard Patrick Ogwel and Pool Association of Uganda officials, among other ordinary people.
Kisakye and Bwanika got a trophy, Brand new Mark X and cash prize money. By 8 AM, the outside of Lugogo was already filled up with players ready to enter the arena. Action unfolded in the next one hour with no shocking result during the opening round.
Nile Special Open Pool Championship 2024 Winners
Men’s Winner : Mansoor Bwanika
Runners up Men’s Final
Ibrahim Ssejemba
Women’s Winner
Marion Kisakye
Runners up Women’s Final
Amina Nganda
Men’s 3rd Place
Kasozi Joseph
Women’s 3rd Place
Julie Namuhanga
