Lotay, an engineer who worked in Uganda during the colonial period, was a registered member of Entebbe Club until 1974 when he went into exile in Canada amid political instability.

Lotay joined the club while living just across the road in Entebbe and developed a deep attachment to golf at what is the oldest course in the region. At the time, the course had nine holes and a small membership. Playing off a handicap of fourteen, he won several club trophies and became a familiar figure at the clubhouse.

On his return, Lotay was received by Entebbe Club trustee Edward Kabuchu alongside members of the management team.

A key moment of the visit was the return of three historic trophies that Lotay had safeguarded for more than five decades. During the early nineteen seventies, members who had won trophies were asked to remove them from the clubhouse for safety. Lotay kept his trophies with him and later carried them into exile, never having the chance to return them until now.

Among the trophies is a plate shaped single match play award, which Lotay recalls winning from a Scottish lady in a match play contest. He also shared memories of the club’s culture, noting that the friendliness he experienced decades ago has been preserved, something he observed again at a lively and crowded nineteenth hole.

The changes at the club stood out to him. What was once a modest nine hole course has grown into a full eighteen hole layout with a refurbished state of the art clubhouse and paved walkways.

Speaking to NBS Sport, Lotay said, “I feel like a 15 to 20 year old man being here this is a place I carry at heart the love for this club is unmatched to me am happy to be back and also return these trophies I used to hang out in this refurbished bar together with my wife and family the course was smaller and we used to be very few members but am happy the club has many members now I am going to make sure my grandchildren who play golf get memberships here and also ask them to promote this club.”

Lotay thanked the club leadership and sponsors for developing what he described as the oldest club in East Africa and expressed pride in seeing its growth and continuity. Kabuchu said Lotay’s return was deeply meaningful for the club, describing the history he carries as valuable and worth preserving. He thanked Lotay for maintaining his connection to Entebbe Club despite being away for 52 years.

The returned trophies will be reinstated in the club’s trophy cabinet, where they will be preserved as part of Entebbe Club’s enduring history.

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The newly unveiled par-72 course at Lugazi Hills will serve as the stage for this thrilling showdown between two of Uganda’s most formidable golfing clubs.

Leading the charge for Lugazi is reigning Uganda Amateur Open Champion, Joseph Reagan Akena.

Known for his exceptional accuracy and strategic prowess, Akena will undoubtedly be a key asset to his team.

He will be joined by a formidable roster of talent, including Ibrahim Ssemakula, Juma Abiti, Junior Otukei, and Pius Ocheing, all boasting impressive single-handicap records.

However, Entebbe Club, under the astute leadership of the aggressive and tactical Micheal Tumusiime, is poised to offer stiff competition.

Their squad boasts a formidable lineup featuring top golfers such as Brian Mugisha, Elton Thembo, and Godfrey Kambale, promising a fierce battle for supremacy.

The competition will feature a dynamic format, incorporating both match play and fourball better ball, ensuring an exciting and unpredictable display of golfing excellence. Davis Kato, a professional golfer and event organizer, emphasized the high stakes of this encounter.

“This will be an exceptional showcase of talent from both teams,” stated Kato. “The match play and fourball better ball formats will push each player to their absolute limits, and we anticipate some truly remarkable performances.”

As 2024 draws to a close, all eyes will be on Lugazi Hills & Country Club for what promises to be a thrilling culmination of the year’s golfing events.

The post Lugazi Hills and Entebbe Club Clash in High-Stakes Golf Showdown appeared first on NBS Sport.

The oval-shaped structure complete with MTN-themed branding was unveiled by MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge in the company of the golfing fraternity following the round of the MTN Monthly Tee.

Entebbe Golf Club chairman Eng. Jacob Byamukama reflected on the new development.

“It’s a major investment which has been delivered to the club by MTN. We are truly thankful and it’s a place that members are going to enjoy. It will be used for cooling down when changing sides and also talking about the game,” he said.

As part of a 10-year partnership, the club holds monthly tournaments aimed at offering golfers competition and networking opportunities.

The MTN Grand Tee of Tees saw participants battle for prizes with Saidi Kirarira and lady captain Jovia Tugume crowned overall best performers.

Kirarira who scored 557 from his best eight rounds of the year said the tournament has been exciting.

“My experience is a good one playing the MTN Monthly Tees. It’s a cumulative score and you never know how others are playing. It brings a new challenge every month which we enjoy as golfers and it’s the reason we play the game,” he said.

A glamorous 19th hole experience followed the MTN Halfway House launch as golfers were treated to entertainment and a prize giving ceremony were the best performers across various categories were crowned.

The post MTN Boosts Entebbe Golf Club With New Halfway House appeared first on NBS Sport.

This year’s tournament has a specific goal of raising Ug.Shs 5 million to support St. Joseph’s Primary School in Katabi, Entebbe Municipality. The funds will be directed towards improving the school’s facilities and resources, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students.

Over 100 golfers from various clubs across the country are anticipated to participate in the tournament, transforming the Entebbe course into a vibrant display of golfing skill and sportsmanship.

The competition promises to be a thrilling event, while also contributing to a worthy cause that empowers future generations.

The post Entebbe Club Gears Up for MTN Monthly Tee Back to School Golf Tournament appeared first on NBS Sport.

Despite facing stiff competition from top-tier professionals, Kamulindwa maintained his composure throughout the tournament, ultimately clinching the title with a level-par aggregate score of 213 over three rounds at the challenging par-71 course. His consistency propelled him to the forefront of the leaderboard, securing a well-deserved victory and the lion’s share of the Shs15m purse.

Saidi Mawa set the pace on the opening day, only to be overtaken by Rodell Gaita after the second round. However, it was Kamulindwa who emerged as the frontrunner on the final day after replicating his day one score, a 1-under 70.

Kamulindwa seized the lead after capitalising on Gaita’s seven bogeys on the day that gave him a commanding three-shot lead, leaving his competitors trailing in his wake. As the sun began to set on the 18th hole, Kamulindwa’s triumph was sealed, culminating in a memorable presentation ceremony where he was awarded the tournament’s prestigious orange jacket by Deo Akope himself.

The Deo Akope Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, striving to foster both athletic excellence and educational opportunities. Founded with the noble objective of promoting golf and education, the foundation exemplifies Akope’s philanthropic spirit and his dedication to empowering future generations. Through initiatives like the Deo Akope Challenge, the foundation continues to make a positive impact, enriching lives and nurturing talent within the community.

The post Kamulindwa crowned champion of Inaugural Deo Akope Challenge appeared first on NBS Sport.

Sam Mwogeza, the Executive Head of Personal and Private Banking, expressed the bank’s commitment to the long-term support of golf during the conference. “This afternoon, we also want to pledge our long-term support for the sport of Golf,” he stated. “That is why we are investing UGX 500 million for the next three years to make the Stanbic Match Play Challenge 2024 truly exceptional.”

The press conference saw the presence of representatives from the Entebbe Golf Club, as well as other sponsors, including Cfao Motors, DStv Uganda, and Uganda Airlines. Serwano Walusimbi, the Entebbe Club captain, expressed gratitude to Stanbic Bank for their continued generosity, highlighting that the bank also sponsors the Entebbe Golf Open.

In addition to Stanbic Bank’s substantial contribution, other sponsorship packages were announced. DStv Uganda pledged an annual UGX 25 million, while Cfao Motors will reward the eventual winner with a car. Uganda Airlines will provide free tickets to Dubai, Zanzibar, and Mombasa for the winner, runners-up, and second runners-up, respectively.

The Golf Match Play Challenge, featuring 64 pairs in a seven-round tournament, is scheduled to kick off on March 16, with the final round set for October 12. Stanbic Bank’s commitment underscores its dedication to the growth and prosperity of golf in the region, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament in 2024.

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At the forefront of this new leadership is Jackson Were, a prominent figure within Uganda’s golfing circles. Were’s elevation to the presidency comes with high expectations, with stakeholders anticipating his strategic vision and adept guidance to propel the Uganda Golf Union to new heights of success.

Assisting Were in his presidential duties is Agaba Anthony, who assumes the role of Vice President. Magala Fred steps into the position of Union Secretary, entrusted with vital tasks such as communication, documentation, and activity coordination within the union. Andrew Atuhaire assumes the role of Treasurer, entrusted with the crucial responsibility of managing the union’s financial resources.

Joining the committee as esteemed members are Paul Habyarimana and Okudi Joseph, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Moses Matsiko, the Immediate Past President, will also be on the committee, with his guidance and experience expected to be instrumental within the new leadership framework.

Speaking after the election, Were said he was honoured to continue service. “I am humbled to serve as the new president of the Uganda Golf Union. I congratulate the other members of the executive. It is a work in progress since I have been part of the previous executive,” he said.

The new executive will be tasked with overseeing the growth and development of golf from grassroots to senior national teams.

The post Jackson Were Takes the Tee: Uganda Golf Union Elects New Leadership appeared first on NBS Sport.

Meron Kyomugisha, who secured second place with an impressive gross score of 77, is closely following her in the main event (Ladies Group A).

Kabasweka, the winner of the same tournament in 2022, put on a strong showing and controlled her play with some impressive putting. 

Judith Komugisha is a distant third with an 81 gross score, just a stroke ahead of Harriet Kitaka. Bernadette Musanabera and Cathy Kwagala are tied for fifth with 84 while Resty Nalutaaya and Gloria Mbaguta are tied for seventh with 85. Dianah Nambalirwa is ninth with 86 while Maureen Okura is 10th with 87.

In the men’s gross amateur event, Elton Thembo who is playing on home course carded 1-under-par 70 to emerge leader. He’s being closely followed by Cosmas Ociti who played level par.

National team Captain Joseph Cwinyaai is part of the chasing pack and he carded 2-over-par 73 in the opening round.

Reagan Akena, Amon Bwambale and Emmanuel Moko are tied for fourth with 3-over-par 74 while Ellias Katwebaze, Michael Tumusiime, John Musimenta and Lawrence Walakira are tied for seventh off 6-over-par 77.

The Ladies Group B category will join the party on day two and will be playing for two days while the subsidiary category will play on the final day.

The event is powered by KCB Bank, Uganda Airlines, Crown Beverages Limited, Uganda Breweries Limited, MTN Uganda & Britam Insurance.

The post Kabasweka in Early Lead on Day One of Entebbe Ladies Open appeared first on NBS Sport.

Unfortunately, Martha Babirye won’t be able to defend her title as she is currently out of the country. However, the organizers anticipate fierce competition, as seen in previous editions. Peace Kabasweka, the 2022 winner, has been diligently training at the facility and is expected to showcase her skills alongside other talented lady golfers.

The tournament will feature the Ladies Group A category playing over three days, the Ladies Group B category over two days, the Men Gross Amateurs over three days, and the Subsidiary category on the final day.

During the press launch at the clubhouse, Entebbe Club Lady Captain Jovia Tugume informed the media that the tournament is now classified as a World Amateur Golf Ranking event for both ladies’ and men’s gross players. This classification allows participants to earn ranking points, providing insight into their standing in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

“That’s why we extended the event to run for three days instead of two, as in past editions. I believe making it a WAGR event will motivate participants to strive for better performance and higher ranking points,” said Tugume. She also mentioned that over 200 golfers will compete across various categories.

“We have received an overwhelming number of participants for both the main and subsidiary events. Additionally, the ladies’ main event will feature approximately 10 foreign lady golfers,” Tugume added.

The event has received substantial support from sponsors including KCB Bank, Uganda Airlines, Crown Beverages Limited, Uganda Breweries Limited, and MTN Uganda.

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