The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) ushered in a new chapter following a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) over the weekend.
Held at the Holiday Express Hotel, the event marked the end of Bob Trubish’s eight-year tenure as chairman and the beginning of Gideon Onyango’s administration.
The day-long AGM was historic, bringing together delegates and candidates from across the country in line with the requirements of the National Council of Sports (NCS) Sports Act—reinforcing PAU’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and national representation.
The meeting also marked the official handover of instruments of power from the outgoing executive committee to the new leadership, symbolizing a peaceful transition and the continuity of the association’s mandate to develop pool across Uganda.
In an emotional farewell speech, Trubish reflected on his journey in the sport, which started as a pool umpire before he became a club funder and later chairman of the national association.
“I will observe how the new executive runs pool. When I find it right to return to administration, I will return. Mind you, I have never lost a pool election,” Trubish remarked.
Turning to the future, new PAU chairman Gideon Onyango pledged to work tirelessly to improve the image of pool and establish stronger structures to support the sport’s long-term growth.
“We only need to make structures work and the future will be great for pool. We have many plans, but restructuring the league to fit the NCS requirements as a national league is key. The current league looks more like a Kampala league,” Onyango said.
The new executive inherits the responsibility of expanding the sport’s footprint across the country, strengthening grassroots programs, and creating a more sustainable pathway for players.
It should be remembered that the Pool Association of Uganda was among the 10 sports bodies approved by the National Council of Sports without any objections—a milestone that confirms its compliance with the current sports governance framework.
NCS Pool Liaison Officer Ivan Niwamanya congratulated PAU on the successful transition but urged members to prioritize unity and resolve disagreements internally.
“I want every one of you to work in the interest of the sport. In case of any disagreements, sort them internally. Don’t display your dirty linen in public,” Niwamanya cautioned.
