The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) officially ushered in a new era on Saturday as outgoing chairman Bob Trubish formally handed over office to newly elected chairman Gideon Onyango during the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Holiday Express Hotel in Nakasero, Kampala.
The handover marked the end of Trubish’s eight-year tenure at the helm of the federation, making him the longest-serving chairman in PAU history.
Onyango was elected chairman during the PAU Elective General Assembly held on May 24, 2026, at Pope Paul Hotel in Kampala. He secured 39 votes to edge out his closest challenger, Robert Kayanja, who garnered 36 votes.
Other officials elected to the new executive committee include George Katongole, who defeated Emmy Jondu for the Director of Public Relations position, Rogers Ssemanda as General Secretary, and Faith Nganda as Director of Women’s Affairs, among others.
Speaking during the handover, Trubish revealed that the transition process would continue over the next two weeks to ensure a smooth transfer of responsibilities.
“We have started the handover process, which will run over the next two weeks, to our new chairman, Gideon Onyango, and his team. I wish Onyango Gideon, Roger Ssemanda, Cosmas Ssegawa, Lisa Namuganza, George Katongole, Debbie, Wasswa Kayiira Muhammad and Meyan farouk all the best during their term.
Despite any differences we may have had in the past, whenever they need to consult me on pool matters, I will always be available to support them.”
The outgoing chairman also expressed gratitude to the many stakeholders who supported his administration throughout his eight-year leadership.
He thanked the National Council of Sports (NCS), Nile Breweries, Betway, Kimuli and other sponsors for their unwavering support, while also acknowledging the media, executive committees, working committees, umpires, regional and district coordinators, clubs, service providers and players for their contribution to the growth of the sport.
Trubish paid tribute to former PAU leaders, including Bob Menani, farouk wamala Kisuze, Godfrey Mabirizi, Adam Ssebi and others, for laying the foundation upon which his administration built.
Reflecting on his tenure, he highlighted several achievements, including the successful re-registration of the Pool Association of Uganda with the National Council of Sports, making PAU one of only 11 sports federations to complete the process successfully.
“My final achievement was the re-registration of pool with NCS among only 11 bodies that were fully re-registered,” he noted.
He also admitted that his administration had faced challenges, particularly in audit compliance, and apologized for the shortcomings.
“Our audit compliance could have been better and more timely, but the lessons have been learned,” he said.
Trubish said he leaves office proud and satisfied after dedicating eight years to developing the sport, adding that he made significant personal sacrifices, including his health and finances, for the benefit of pool in Uganda.
He also called on critics on social media to promote constructive engagement rather than negativity and division.
Looking ahead, Trubish revealed that he intends to remain actively involved in the sport through his club, Scrap Buyers Pool Club, and in a new role as a pool administration consultant. He also hinted that he may consider contesting for the PAU chairmanship again in the future.
“I plan to remain active in pool with my club, Scrap Buyers, and in my new role as a pool administration consultant. After this term ends, I will decide whether to contest again and continue transforming the sport.”
He concluded by thanking everyone who supported him throughout his leadership journey and wished the incoming executive success as they begin a new chapter for the Pool Association of Uganda.
