Former Member of Parliament Gideon Onyango edged a tightly contested election to become the new chairman of the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) , replacing outgoing Bob Trubish at an elective Extraordinary General Meeting held at Pope Paul Memorial Centre on Saturday.
Onyango, who unsuccessfully contested for the treasurer position in the 2024 elections, secured 39 votes alongside his running mate Meyan Yusuf Magomu to narrowly defeat former Technical Director Robert ‘Pipo’ Kayanja and Paul Okware, who garnered 36 votes.
The three-vote margin capped weeks of intense lobbying and brought to an end a turbulent leadership period for the association, which has recently struggled to align with requirements set by the National Council of Sports (NCS) under the new Sports Act.
Regional delegates decisive
Pool, despite its popularity across the country, has faced criticism over weak organisational structures, a factor that delayed its registration with NCS. The association was tasked to first organise fresh elections and present audited accounts dating back to 2023 before regaining full recognition.
‘This election was different because regional delegates were voting for the first time and that changed everything. I campaigned heavily among the regional delegates and that effort paid off,’ Onyango said after the victory.
His immediate tasks include securing a permanent office for the association, which currently operates from Kamwokya, and rebuilding relations with NCS.
But the race for General Secretary also attracted significant attention after incumbent Paul Wasike declined to seek re-election. Rogers Ssemanda defeated Jackson Edau 44-31 to take over the powerful office.
Ssemanda built his campaign around improving the image of the sport and creating partnerships through his experience at the Advanced Talent Agency (ATA). He had also emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the outgoing administration, twice pushing for Extraordinary General Meetings over concerns surrounding the association’s audited accounts.
Kayiiya victory sparks drama
Meanwhile, outspoken Muhammad Wasswa Kayiiya was elected Technical Director after polling 42 votes to beat incumbent Donald Ampumuza (14) and former Technical Director Ismail Nkata Kalibbala (18).
Kayiiya’s victory, however, came amid controversy after Wasike attempted to table a petition challenging his academic qualifications during the meeting. Wasike alleged that Kayiiya did not possess the minimum O-Level requirements, although no evidence was presented before the Electoral Committee.
Familiar faces return
Only three members from the previous executive committee retained slots on the new nine-member body.
Pius Akampa, who heads schools and institutions, returned unopposed, just like treasurer Cosmas Segawa from Masaka. George Katongole was elected Director of Public Relations after defeating Jondu Emmy 43-31. In the women’s affairs docket, Debborah Ibenu overcame Pool Cranes captain Amina Faith Nganda 42-32.
Fauzah Namuganza also completed a comeback to the executive after winning the clubs representative race against Capital Night’s Michael Kanaakulya by 41 votes to 33.
Namuganza said club owners and investors deserved greater respect within the sport. ‘The people investing their money in pool must have their voices heard,’ she noted.
The newly elected executive immediately faces a packed calendar, with qualifiers for the National Open expected to begin soon ahead of the finals pencilled for November.
New PAU Executive Committee
Chairman: Gideon Onyango
Vice chairman: Meyan Yusuf Magomu
General Secretary: Rogers Ssemanda
Technical Director: Muhammad Wasswa Kayiiya
Director of Public Relations: George Katongole
Clubs Representative: Fauzah Namuganza
Women Affairs: Debborah Ibenu
Treasurer: Cosmas Segawa
Schools and Institutions: Pius Akampa