African Disc Golf Summit closed its four-day run at Keba Hotel in Mpala, Entebbe, marking a major step forward for the sport’s regional growth.
For event organiser and East African Coordinator Israel Muwanguzi, the gathering was a milestone in a rapid rise.
In just three years, disc golf has reached 42 districts, a sign, he says, of Uganda’s appetite for inclusive, community driven sports.
“This growth shows how ready Ugandans are to embrace new sports,” Muwanguzi said, calling the summit a transformative moment.
One of the biggest highlights was the presence of former World Champion and global disc golf ambassador Avery Jenkins.
He designed a new 9-hole course at St Joseph’s Vocational Institute in Kisubi and encouraged participants to prioritise sustainability.
“We must put sustainability at the heart of disc golf course design,” Jenkins said.
“Courses should welcome new players, protect the environment, and serve communities for generations.”
The summit offered more than panel discussions. UDisc, the global disc golf data company, held practical sessions on sustainable course development, teaching young children, using analytics to guide growth and organising community events that attract and retain players.
St Joseph’s Vocational Institute didn’t just unveil its new course, it also hosted a vibrant community exhibition that ended with Glow Golf, a night time version of the game that quickly became a crowd favourite.
On the competitive front, the Pamoja Disc Golf Open brought top tier action.
American pro Dustin Keegan dominated the Mixed Pro Open category, finishing 24-under par after two rounds at Ndejje University.
He shot 44 in the first round and 40 in the second for a combined 84, five strokes ahead of former world champion Avery Jenkins at 19-under.
Joey Temali, also from the U.S., finished third at 16-under.
“Winning in Uganda is incredibly special,” Keegan said after lifting the title.
“The energy and eagerness to learn from local players is inspiring. This course demanded full focus, and I’m proud of how I stayed composed. But more importantly, events like this show how bright the future of disc golf is in Africa.”
At the closing ceremony, Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports (NCS), promised continued government support for sports that show national impact.
“Disc golf is growing because it is inclusive, affordable, and community driven,” Chebet said.
“Any sport reaching half of Uganda’s districts deserves serious attention, and disc golf is well on its way. We encourage organisers to keep building communities and innovating.”
With new partnerships forming, coaching skills expanding, and youth involvement rising, organizers believe the summit has set a strong foundation for disc golf’s next phase in East Africa, one centered on sustainability, access, and community growth.
