Sports 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Commonwealth Victories Highlight Paucity of Funding for Ugandan Pool Players
Recent international successes by Ugandan pool players Rukia Naiga and Rashida Mutesi at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships have brought to light the severe underfunding and lack of recognition faced by athletes in less prominent sports. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/naiga-mutesi-commonwealth-victory-expose-gaps-in-sports-funding-5632138
Uganda’s recent triumphs at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships, with Rukia Naiga clinching gold and Rashida Mutesi securing silver, have been met with a subdued reception, underscoring the persistent struggle for recognition and financial support within the country’s smaller sports disciplines.
Naiga’s victory in the women’s Blackball final and Mutesi’s close contest in the Heyball final, which placed Uganda fourth in the team standings, unfortunately did not translate into significant public fanfare or governmental support. This reflects a broader issue where athletic achievement in sports like pool often fails to secure the necessary resources for athletes to build sustainable professional careers.
Many Ugandan pool players rely on informal arrangements, winnings from weekly competitions, and occasional handouts from managers for their livelihoods. The absence of a structured professional league makes it difficult for them to plan training, invest in equipment, or consistently participate in international tournaments. While the Nile Special National Pool Open offers a significant prize, it provides limited opportunities for the wider pool-playing community.
Even for major international events like the recent championships in Ahmedabad, players like Naiga and Mutesi received minimal financial assistance, reportedly around $300 each. This highlights the significant personal investment required to represent the nation on the international stage.
Despite a strong showing in both the 2025 Mauritius and 2026 Ahmedabad championships, where Ugandan players secured multiple medals including gold, athletes like Mutesi and Joseph Kasozi lament the lack of government recognition compared to those in more established sports.
The Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) is actively seeking government recognition for these athletes through the National Council of Sports (NCS). While the PAU is a registered entity, regulatory compliance alone does not guarantee funding. The hope is that official recognition will pave the way for structured support, enabling players to better prepare for future competitions and build professional careers.