Uganda's junior golf team ready to shine at All-Africa Championship in Tunisia

Uganda's national junior golf team, under the guidance of coach Flavia Namakula, is poised to make its mark at the upcoming All-Africa Junior Team Championship in Tunisia from April 24-27.

The tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the prestigious Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan, will see Uganda compete against 14 other nations.

The team, consisting of four boys and three girls, aims to build on Uganda's previous successes in qualifying for the global event. Representing the country are Peter Mayende, Anthony Otukei, Shaka Kariisa, and John Paul Rugumambaju in the boys' category, while Rachael Laura Natukunda, Elizabeth Danelle Kawalya, and Keisha Wiltshire Kagoro will compete for the girls' team. Namakula leads as coach, with Paul Habyarimana serving as team manager.

During the official flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, National Council of Sports General Secretary Patrick Ogwel commended the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) for its commitment to developing the sport at all levels. "Identifying and nurturing talent at continental and global levels is a significant achievement for our country," Ogwel said. "We are proud of these young golfers and will support them as they represent Uganda on this international stage."

Ogwel praised the UGU's youth development program and acknowledged the parents' role in supporting the athletes. He emphasized the importance of establishing strong regional and local structures to continue producing top-tier talent.

UGU president Jackson Were expressed gratitude for the NCS's ongoing support and voiced confidence in the team's abilities. "Many of these players were part of our Victoria Cup-winning squad," Were said. "With the same determination and the preparation they've received, we believe they will make Uganda proud." He also stressed the balance between sports and education, urging the team to maintain discipline while competing.

Coach Namakula highlighted the team's recent participation in a high-performance training program, which provided valuable insights to enhance their competitiveness. "The exposure and knowledge gained from the program will be crucial in Tunisia," she said. "I have full confidence in this team."

Uganda has been a consistent participant in the annual championship, having previously qualified twice for the Toyota Junior World Cup—most recently in 2023 after hosting the African qualifiers at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort. As the team prepares for Tunisia, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful for another strong performance that could secure a spot in Japan.