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Chris Kalibala guides the primary school pupils on the scrabble basics during the clinic at Booma Primary school over the weekend (Photo by Aloysius Byamukama)
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By Aloysius Byamukama
The Scrabble Association of Uganda (SAU) continues its mission to grow the sport from the grassroots level across the country. After introducing scrabble to primary schools in the Western Uganda sub-regions of Rwenzori, Kigezi, Bunyoro, and Greater Bushenyi, the association has now turned its focus to Greater Mbarara.
On Saturday, the team, led by Chris Kalibala, conducted a skills clinic for 35 children from Mbarara City primary schools at Booma Primary School. “It is our belief that we can make this sport grow all over Uganda by taking it to the young people. Apart from helping them in their studies by improving their English vocabulary, it is also a gateway to fame,” said SAU Western Coordinator Chris Kalibala. 
Kalibala attends to the primary school pupils and their teachers during the scrabble clinic in Mbarara on Saturday (Photo by Aloysius Byamukama)
Steven Kumureeba, head teacher of the host school Booma Primary, praised SAU for including young learners in the game. “We are happy that this sport has been brought to us. Even though we participate in many other sports, this one helps young learners improve their English and develop their undiscovered talents,” he said.
Last year, Uganda was represented at the PANASA Junior Championships in Lagos, Nigeria, by Liam Odong Pawat and Kene Rayan Jonathan from Credo Primary School, Gulu, and Whitney Agnes of St. Catherine Jr. School, Sonde. Although they did not reach the medal bracket, it was their first international competition.
The next continental championship is set for August 2025 in Nairobi. Kalibala stated that Uganda is preparing to send a team with a national outlook, selecting the best young athletes from all regions of the country. 
The SAU officials, primary schools teachers and pupils that attended the scrabble clinic at Booma primary school in Mbarara city. (Photo by Aloysius Byamukama)
