New ULGU president Apell sets ambitious goals for women’s golf in Uganda

Rita Apell Akot, the newly elected president of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU), has outlined ambitious plans to elevate women’s golf in the country over the next two years.

Akot, who was elected during the union’s annual general meeting held at the Uganda Golf Club on Thursday evening, is optimistic about transforming the sport with the support of all stakeholders. A golfer since 2017, Akot is determined to drive meaningful change during her tenure.

“I am driven by the desire to see real growth in kids’ and women’s golf,” she said. “By nurturing these areas, we not only create new opportunities but also strengthen men’s golf, ultimately building a more well-rounded sport.”

Akot previously served as vice president of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union under Anne Abeja. She emphasized the need for golf clubs across the country to take proactive steps in attracting more women to the game. “Golf clubs must be deliberate, not passive, in creating incentives and programs that encourage women to participate. One key pathway is through school programs that introduce and nurture interest in golf from a young age,” she added.

Akot’s executive committee includes Helen Lunkuse as vice president, Pamella Tumusiime as honorary treasurer, and Gloria Mbaguta as honorary secretary. Outgoing president Doreen Mwesigye will serve as the immediate past president (IPP), with Charity Atuhaire and Peace Kabasweka as committee members.

Akot stressed that her team will focus on elevating the appeal of women’s golf nationwide. “We must be marketable to attract support. To achieve this, we need to increase our visibility so that stakeholders can connect with and buy into our cause. Our focus will be on enhancing the visibility and value of women’s golf and the Uganda Ladies Union through targeted talks, awareness campaigns, nurturing sponsor relations, and active club engagements—all aimed at building a strong foundation for long-term support.”

When asked about the state of professional women’s golf in Uganda, where only three professionals—Evah Magala, Irene Nakalembe, and Flavia Namakula—are active, Akot acknowledged the challenges. “The issues facing women’s professional golf are not unique to Uganda. However, we must work to build a critical mass of players to drive the sport forward,” she said.

Akot, who serves as the Chief Information Officer at Stanbic Bank, comes from a family deeply rooted in golf. Her husband, Dr. Peter Apell, is an avid golfer and former chairman of Entebbe Club.