Uganda’s rising golf star, Shaka Kariisa, has been named in the national junior team set to compete at the 2025 All-Africa Junior Golf Championship in Tunisia from April 22-27.
Kariisa, the son of Next Media Group CEO Kin Kariisa, is currently playing for the Balderstone Sports Institute in South Africa, will join teammates Peter Mayende, Anthony Otukeyi, and Ibrahim Ssemakura as they take on the continent’s best young golfers at the Residence Golf Course.
The announcement was made during a reception at Uganda Golf Club, where the Uganda Golf Union welcomed home the senior national team following their victory at the 2025 Victoria Cup in Kenya.
Uganda reclaimed the prestigious title with a dominant performance at Mt. Kipipiri Golf & Resort, defeating Kenya 14-11.5.
The team was received by Uganda Golf Union President Dr. Jackson Were and Shema Municipality MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa, who pledged to have them officially recognized by the Speaker of Parliament.
National golf team coach Flavia Namakula confirmed the junior squad, highlighting their potential to compete at the highest level.
Kariisa, has been making waves in junior golf since joining BSI earlier this year.
His rapid improvement has been evident, highlighted by his impressive second-place finish in a February 14 tournament in South Africa, where he recorded six drives in play, 11 greens in regulation, and 32 putts.
His overall consistency has seen him rise among the top performers in BSI’s Junior Academy Order of Merit rankings.
His inclusion is a significant boost, given his rapid development and strong performances in South Africa, where he is training at the Balderstone Sports Institute.
His presence in the squad strengthens Uganda’s chances at the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.
Peter Mayende, fresh off Uganda’s Victoria Cup triumph, is confident the team will put up a strong fight in Tunisia. “Winning in Kenya was a big confidence boost, and I believe we have what it takes to compete at this level,” Mayende said.
With South Africa entering the tournament as defending champions, Uganda’s young golfers face a tough challenge but will be eager to make an impact.
