Uganda has made history by hosting Africa’s first Disc Golf Summit, a four-day event starting on Thursday November 13, to Saturday November 15, bringing together sport leaders, coaches, and development partners from across the continent to shape the future of one of the world’s fastest-growing outdoor sports.
The summit took place at Keba Hotel in Kisubi.
Organized by Disc Golf Uganda with support from the Paul McBeth Foundation, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), and UPlay, the summit highlights Africa’s potential in the sport.
Zachary Smith, Executive Director of the Paul McBeth Foundation, said, “Africa is an incredible opportunity, the enthusiasm is unmatched.
Anyone can play disc golf, whether you’re five or 95. It builds community, encourages health, and unites people.”
Since its introduction in 2022, Uganda has become a regional hub for disc golf.
Israel Muwanguzi, Executive Director of Disc Golf Uganda and East African Coordinator of the PDGA, called the summit a “dream come true,” citing the sport’s rapid growth.
“We’ve taken disc golf to 42 districts, schools, and universities. This gathering allows us to share experiences, learn from others, and build stronger structures,” he said.
Uganda also manufactures baskets and distributes discs nationwide to make the sport accessible.
The country currently has four courses, Ndejje University, Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Bundibugyo, and Kisubi with a new facility under development in Kasese near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
These efforts align with Uganda’s 2023 amended Sports Act, emphasizing community-based sports development.
Looking ahead, Uganda will host the African Juniors Championship at Ndejje University in 2026 and participate in the Africa Amateur and Professional Championship in South Africa.
Regionally, players will compete at the Kenya Open, while local tournaments like the National League and Crested Cranes Classic continue to nurture talent.
The summit also showcased successes from across Africa.
Chipo Tendai Chalimba, Disc Golf Leader for Northern Zambia, highlighted the sport’s positive impact on youth.
“Disc golf keeps children active, builds friendships, and gives everyone, a special opportunity for girls, a reason to play and belong,” he said.
Zambia has three courses and has hosted youth tournaments for two years.
Originating in California in the 1970s, disc golf involves throwing discs into elevated metal baskets across 9- or 18-hole courses.
The Paul McBeth Foundation has installed courses in over 13 countries. “Paul wants every child, here in Uganda and across Africa, to have the same opportunity he had growing up,” Smith noted.
Workshops at the summit focused on coaching, community engagement, course design, and sport governance, culminating in plans to form an African Disc Golf Federation to guide the sport’s growth.
Disc Golf in Uganda at a Glance
• Introduced: December 2022 at Ndejje University
• Pioneer Leader: Israel Muwanguzi
• Status: Registered under NGO Bureau; aiming for National Council of Sports recognition
• Active Courses: Ndejje University, UCU Mukono, Katosi, Bundibugyo, Kisubi
• Upcoming Courses: Kasese
• Goal: Reach 50% of Uganda’s districts with active disc golf associations by 2027
