Pool Association Pledges Support for Regional Leagues as Elgon Open Exposes Mbale Talent

What the report says

The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) has said it wants to back the creation of regional pool leagues, arguing that more organised competition outside Kampala would help players gain regular exposure and widen the country’s talent base. The pledge was made at the Elgon Pool Open Championship in Mbale, where PAU was represented by Deborah Ibenu, its head of women’s affairs, on behalf of the chairman.

According to Nile Post, PAU said it is working with support from the National Council of Sports to strengthen regional structures and help them set up organised leagues. Ibenu urged players and organisers in the Elgon region to organise themselves and prepare for that support. The comments came as the Mbale tournament highlighted both the promise of local pool talent and the gap in experience between upcountry players and established national competitors.

The championship, held at Legends Bar in Mbale City, drew 64 men and 24 women from about nine districts. It featured several well-known players, including former national champions, while many Elgon entrants were eliminated before the later rounds. Organisers said the event showed why regular regional tournaments are needed. A women’s category was also included, which organisers said is still uncommon outside Kampala.

In the finals, Naiga Lukia won the women’s title and Rashid Wagaba, also known as Dog City, won the men’s title. Local veterans and organisers said the tournament demonstrated that the region has talent, but that sponsorship, structure and more frequent competition are needed to develop it further.