Uganda’s junior golf team is set to tee off at the prestigious All Africa Junior Team Championship (AAJTC), hosted at the unforgiving Windsor Golf & Country Club in Nairobi.
The 7,100-yard course, known for punishing errant shots, will test the mettle of 14 national teams vying for continental bragging rights and qualification to the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan later this year.
Uganda’s squad features a balanced mix of boys and girls, all seasoned at this level of competition: Tony Otukei, Racheal Natukunda, Peter Mayende, Elizabeth Kawalya, Kariisa Shaka, Keisha Kagoro, and Rugumambaju John Paul.
The team is guided by coach Flavia Namakula and managed by Paul Habyarimana. Captaincy duties fall to Peter Mayende, who recently impressed at the Victoria Cup in Entebbe.
The team completed its official practice round on Monday, entering the tournament with confidence and belief. Sources within the camp say the young golfers are “raring to go” against Africa’s finest. Uganda will face stiff competition from regional rivals Kenya, as well as Zambia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ghana, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and defending powerhouse South Africa.
Weather could play a role, with forecasts predicting light showers between Tuesday and Thursday. The format is stroke play over 54 holes, with gross scores determining the outcome.
For the boys, the best three scores each day will count, while for the girls, the top two will be considered. Caddies are not permitted, adding to the challenge. The overall champion will be the country with the lowest aggregate score.
Uganda’s campaign has received backing from the National Council of Sports (NCS), Uganda Golf Union, R&A, and Kenya Airways, the official travel partner.
Union President Dr. Jackson Were is expected to join the team in Nairobi, where he will also hold strategic meetings with R&A and the Africa Golf Confederation.
