National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel has expressed confidence in Uganda’s golfers as they prepare to defend the Victoria Cup title at the par 71 Entebbe Club this week.
Ogwel flagged off the national team at the NCS Headquarters in Lugogo, backing the strides the sport has made in recent years. Uganda won last year’s edition at Kipipiri Golf Course in Kenya and will now look to retain the trophy on home soil from Thursday to Saturday.
“I have observed that golf is growing by the day,” Ogwel said. “Many more people are picking up the game both in Kampala and upcountry and that is a side of growth. Similarly, when I see the team before me here, I see many young faces who are in the team, And I have been told that many of them are either at school or university, which is a very good policy by the Union.”
Ogwel reiterated that government funding for golf will increase and reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with wearing national colours.
“You are not playing for the Union; you are representing the entire population of Uganda so I want to remind you all to have that at the back of your minds when the tournament gets started.”
NCBA, the title sponsors, were represented by Head of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship Edgar B. Tusiime, who reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the sport. “We support the game at all levels, from the juniors to the top, and we hope that our boys can do what they did last year by emerging as champions.”
Uganda’s team is captained by John Musiimenta. Paul Habyarimana is the team manager, while Flavia Namakula serves as coach. The squad includes Joseph Kasozi, Peter Mayende, Joseph Reagan Akena, Elton Thembo, Amon Bwambale, Godfrey Kambale, Abdul Kakeeto, Abdullah Kakooza and Andrew Ssekibejja.
The official flag raising ceremony will be held at Entebbe Club on Wednesday evening, with Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, a former Uganda Golf Union president, set to attend as guest of honour.
Unpredictable weather is expected to test both teams, but Namakula remains confident. “We have players who were part of last year’s team, and some new ones. They are all raring to go.”
