If the United States were suddenly to succumb to a colonial impulse and annex the African nation of Uganda, it would be the 12th-largest state, ahead of Minnesota and right behind Michigan. This is fitting company, as Uganda's Lake Victoria places it in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Geographical coincidences aside, Uganda is well positioned to become one of the emerging table tennis powers of Africa. While they are a long way from challenging Egypt or Nigeria for continental supremacy, the infrastructure for immediate and future development is in place. This is largely due to the efforts of Robert Jjagwe (pictured), President of the the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA). "So far we have at least 7,000 players here in Uganda," says Jjagwe. "I want to make more than 1,000 players in the next few months." Jjagwe has found success in recent years, converting material support from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) into increased membership. Like China, Jjagwe understands the importance of developing players from a young age and throughout their schooling years. "We are determined to increase numbers through promoting table tennis in both secondary and primary schools as well as among the local communities," he explains. Previous support from the ITTF has included essentials such as tables, bats and balls. Through the ITTF Foundation, Uganda has gradually built up the foundation for a strong national table tennis program. "We expect funding from the governing body," explained Jjagwe, in reference to the ITTF. "However, in the bid to develop the game, we have to cut irrelevant expenses like travel and focus on game development." While Ugandan table tennis has greatly benefited from ITTF support, Jjagwe is leading the UTTA toward self-sufficiency. Finding that he can manufacture a table domestically for only 70% of the cost of importing a new one, Jjagwe has created a new Ugandan cottage industry. "Rackets and balls can be easily accessed but tables are expensive," explains Jjagwe. "More of these will be manufactured and this will also help to increase numbers in the sport." Jjagwe also serves as the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Eastern Regional Vice President, overseeing table tennis administration and development in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and the island nation of Comoros. "I have always advocated for numbers in the sport and my fellow African leaders have known me for that," says Jjagwe. "I hope to extend the same to other African countries." Whether in his native Uganda or across the vast East Africa region, future champions will owe a debt to the far-reaching vision and untiring efforts of Robert Jjagwe. (If you are lucky enough to meet him, please send us a lakefront selfie from the 51st state.)

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