It was a weekend to remember for the Kariisa household at the 2025 Entebbe Stanbic Match Play Golf Challenge, as both Kin Kariisa and his 16-year-old son Shaka delivered standout performances in one of Uganda’s most competitive golf events.
Kin, playing in the main match play draw, partnered with John Paul Basabose and reached the semi-finals after a strong campaign.
The pair eventually fell short against Picole Lukyamuzi and Henry Nsubuga, losing 5&4, but will now contest the third-place playoff on August 2.
It was a solid showing from the senior Kariisa, who has become a familiar face in Uganda’s corporate golf scene.
While Kin was chasing match play glory, his teenage son was lighting up the leaderboard in the stroke-play division.
Shaka, competing in the men’s Group A category, finished as runner-up with 39 points off a 6 handicap—an exceptional score, especially for a player his age.
The 16-year-old’s round featured five birdies, earning him widespread praise from players and spectators alike.
Due to age restrictions, Shaka couldn’t attend the 19th hole celebrations, but his father proudly collected the trophy on his behalf.
“Congrats, Shaka, for your phenomenal performance at the Entebbe Golf Club during the Stanbic Matchplay Tournament!” Kin tweeted after the event.
“Five birdies in one round—now that’s some seriously impressive golf. At just 16 years old, you couldn’t be at the 19th hole to claim your trophy, but I had the honour of picking it up for you. Keep swinging for the stars, Shaka!”
The father-son duo’s strong performances added a personal touch to what has already been a thrilling tournament.
With Kin still eyeing a bronze finish in the match play and Shaka fast emerging as a player to watch, the Kariisas have clearly found a shared rhythm on the golf course.
The Entebbe Stanbic Match Play Challenge, hosted at the par-71 lakeside course and sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda, continues to be a prime platform for both veteran golfers and rising stars—just like the Kariisas.
