Uganda’s national golf team has been officially flagged off ahead of this week’s Victoria Cup at the par-71 Entebbe Club, where they will defend the title they won last year in Kenya.
The send off ceremony at Lugogo was led by National Council of Sports General Secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel, who expressed confidence in both the team and the growth of golf in Uganda.
“I have observed that golf is growing by the day,” Ogwel said, pointing to the increasing number of young players taking up the sport in Kampala and upcountry.
He noted that many members of the current squad are still in school or university, calling it a positive sign for the game’s future.
Ogwel also revealed that government funding to golf will increase and reminded the players that they carry the nation’s hopes.
“You are not playing for the Union; you are representing the entire population of Uganda,” he told them.
Uganda’s team, currently in camp in Entebbe, will be captained by John Musiimenta. Paul Habyarimana is the team manager, while Flavia Namakula serves as head coach.
The squad includes Joseph Kasozi, Peter Mayende, Joseph Reagan Akena, Elton Thembo, Amon Bwambale, Godfrey Kambale, Abdul Kakeeto, Abdullah Kakooza and Andrew Ssekibejja, a mix of returning players and new faces eager to make their mark.
The tournament runs from March 5 to 7. The official flag raising ceremony will be held on Wednesday evening at Entebbe Club, with Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, a former Uganda Golf Union president, as chief guest.
With home advantage and a confident squad, Uganda believes it has what it takes to defend the Victoria Cup.
