James Mwere, vp for Pool Affiliation of Uganda (PAU) addressing the media after AGM at Nob View Lodge, Ntinda
The Pool Affiliation of Uganda gathered for its extremely anticipated Annual Basic Meeting (AGM) on January twenty fifth, 2025, at Nob View Lodge in Ntinda, Kampala.
Central to the discussions was the affiliation’s ambitions to realign with the 2023 Uganda Sports activities Act and reshape the way forward for the game of pool within the nation.
The assembly noticed key resolutions made, notably the affiliation’s want to transition right into a Federation Member of the Uganda Nationwide Council of Sports activities (UNCS).
James Mwere, the Vice Chairperson of the Pool Affiliation of Uganda, took the chance to temporary the media on the brand new course.
He defined that after greater than 20 years of working as an affiliation, the shift in the direction of federation standing would deliver the game into line with the authorized framework established by the brand new sports activities act, which inspires the formation of extra structured and well known sporting our bodies.
“Now we have been an affiliation for over 20 years, and now with this new sports activities act, we’re wanting ahead to changing into a federation. We’re going to completely different areas to type members associations, and we have to scatter legalized pool to over 100 districts in order that we cowl the mandate of 75% protection of the nation,” Mwere remarked, outlining the affiliation’s in depth plans for nationwide development.
He emphasised the significance of grassroots improvement, noting that pool is extensively performed all through Uganda, and the purpose is to formalize its construction to make sure it’s acknowledged and supported at each degree of society.
The ambition to broaden the attain of pool throughout the nation was underscored by Mwere’s name to legalize the game from the grassroots degree.
Pool, he famous, is performed in just about each nook of Uganda, and the goal is to construct a strong basis that may see it flourish in all 100 districts, finally offering the game with nationwide recognition and participation.
Along with the structural modifications, the AGM additionally tackled an necessary challenge: the picture of pool as a sport in Uganda.
Pool has usually been related to bars and social ingesting, which has contributed to its repute as a pastime for “drunkards.” Mwere acknowledged this notion and confused that it was time to reshape the narrative.
“Since most pool arenas are positioned at bars, most individuals suppose that pool is for drunkards, however it isn’t proper. Pool is a standard sport like another sport, reminiscent of soccer, basketball, or netball,” Mwere acknowledged firmly.
“Our sport has a foul picture which has to alter. Subsequently, we’re going to take the game to colleges in order that we begin nurturing gamers at a younger age and assist them attain worldwide ranges with good expertise from an early age.”
The affiliation’s plans to introduce pool to colleges throughout the nation symbolize a key step in altering public notion and making certain the game develops from a younger age.
Mwere’s imaginative and prescient is obvious: nurture expertise early, present correct coaching, and supply younger gamers the chance to symbolize Uganda on the worldwide stage.
Whereas the AGM was usually profitable, it wasn’t with out its challenges. The accountability session noticed some disagreements, which Mwere acknowledged as a part of the broader dynamics in Ugandan sports activities.
Nonetheless, he confused that these disagreements have gotten widespread within the nation’s sports activities panorama and shouldn’t overshadow the optimistic developments inside the affiliation.
In conclusion, the 2025 AGM marked a big turning level for the Pool Affiliation of Uganda because it seems to be to align itself with the brand new sports activities laws and actively reshape the way forward for pool within the nation.
By strategic enlargement, rebranding, and grassroots improvement, the affiliation is set to raise pool to the extent of recognition it deserves, each inside Uganda and internationally.
