The Pool Association Uganda (PAU) Annual General Meeting, held at Nob View Hotel in Ntinda, became a battleground for financial accountability and leadership disagreements. Representatives from across the country gathered to review the association’s progress, but proceedings quickly derailed as accusations of fund embezzlement and mismanagement took center stage. Members criticized the leadership under President Bob Trubish, branding it as authoritarian, and demanded a detailed financial report.
Amid the heated exchanges, PAU’s legal advisor, Kajja Timothy Kashami, urged caution, warning against creating multiple power centers within the association or forming a board of trustees, which could further complicate governance. In response, President Trubish deflected blame onto the finance department, citing its failure to perform in 2024. A supervisory committee election was promptly organized to restore trust, with Wasswa Kayiya securing leadership of the oversight team with 28 votes.
Despite these setbacks, President Trubish spotlighted PAU’s accomplishments, notably a lucrative two-year sponsorship deal with Nile Breweries, valued at UGX 520 million annually. Vice Chairperson James Mwere added perspective, explaining the challenges of securing corporate sponsorships and the association’s ongoing efforts to broaden the sport’s reach through coaching, capacity building, and institutional promotion at various education levels.
With the implementation of Uganda’s new sports act requiring 50% national coverage for federation status, PAU aims to exceed expectations by achieving 75% coverage. Already boasting over 140 registered pool associations, the leadership remains optimistic about future prospects despite internal turbulence. The AGM highlighted a crucial crossroads for PAU, as it seeks to address member concerns while advancing the sport nationwide.
