St Charles Bukerere opens door for pool
St. Charles Lwanga Bukerere has taken a bold step in expanding its co-curricular activities by introducing pool (billiards) on a trial basis, becoming only the second school after Kyaddondo Secondary School in Matugga to embrace the sport at school level.
The school, already well-known for its strong sports program that includes football, basketball, netball, athletics, and hockey, is now exploring new avenues to nurture diverse talents among its students. The introduction of pool marks a significant shift toward inclusivity in sports, especially for learners whose interests may lie beyond the traditional field and court games.To kick-start the initiative, the school hosted a one-day demonstration clinic led by a team of both young and experienced pool players.
The session was conducted by youngsters Yahaya Mpindi and Herbert Mukisa, who were joined by senior players Jonan Turigye, Alfred Gumikiriza, Victoria Namuyanja, and Michelle Nandawula.The clinic drew enthusiasm from students, many of whom were experiencing the sport for the first time. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of pool, including cue control, positioning, rules of the game, and basic strategies. The presence of seasoned players provided inspiration and practical insights into how the game can be developed competitively.Kabwama, one of the students who has been playing pool informally in local halls during school holidays, welcomed the move. He noted that bringing the sport into the school environment would not only provide structured training but also help change negative perceptions often associated with pool.
He explained that many people still view the game as a pastime limited to recreational spaces, yet it requires high levels of concentration, precision, and discipline. According to him, introducing it in schools will help demonstrate its value as a legitimate sport and create more opportunities for young players to develop their skills.School administrators have also expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of broadening the sports curriculum to cater to a wide range of student abilities and interests. They believe that embracing emerging sports like pool can play a key role in promoting talent development, boosting student engagement, and encouraging positive use of leisure time.The move positions St. Charles Lwanga Bukerere as a forward-thinking institution willing to innovate and challenge traditional norms in school sports. If successful, the trial could pave the way for wider adoption of pool across other schools in the region, further diversifying Uganda’s secondary school sports landscape.
