Watoto Church has launched the third edition of its annual golf tournament, with organisers targeting to raise Shs450 million to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers through business starter kits and livelihood programmes. The 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament, themed “Hope on the Green,” will take place from August 3 to 8 at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala, bringing together golfers, corporate teams, sponsors and partners to support women empowerment initiatives. The tournament will begin with the caddies’ competition on August 3, followed by the elite amateur tournament from August 5 to 7. Professional golfers will compete from August 5 to 8, with the main event scheduled for August 8. Pastor Edward Mwesigye, Pastoral Team Leader at Watoto Church, said the tournament is aimed at supporting vulnerable mothers to establish sustainable sources of income. “Through the third edition of the Hope on the Green Golf Tournament, we are inviting individuals, companies and friends of Watoto to join us in raising Shs450 million to empower 1,000 vulnerable mothers with business starter kits,” Mwesigye said. He said supporting mothers has a wider impact on families and communities. “When a mother is empowered, her family becomes stronger, her children have a better future, and the entire community benefits,” he added. The funds raised will support mothers under Watoto’s programmes with business start-up support and skills aimed at improving their livelihoods. Organisers said the tournament will feature professional golfers, elite amateurs and caddies, with a total prize structure of Shs34 million. The professional category will have a total kitty of Shs20 million, with Shs5 million allocated towards the Watoto cause and Shs15 million awarded as prize money. Elite amateurs will compete for a Shs10 million kitty, while caddies will compete for Shs2 million, with portions of each category supporting Watoto’s programmes. Championship trophies will be awarded to winners in the professional, elite amateur and caddies categories. Farayi Chitengwa, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Golf Club, said the partnership demonstrates the role of sport in supporting social causes. “Golf is more than just a sport; it is a platform that brings people together for a greater purpose. We are honoured to host the Hope on the Green Golf Tournament because it gives us an opportunity to support communities and uplift lives,” he said. CFAO Mobility Uganda, one of the tournament partners, said its participation reflects the company’s focus on supporting community initiatives. Isaac Tegule, Marketing Manager at CFAO Mobility Uganda, said the partnership is aimed at creating opportunities for vulnerable mothers. “At CFAO Mobility, we believe mobility is about more than moving people; it is about driving positive change. Every swing on the course helps create opportunities for vulnerable mothers to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Tegule said. He added that the company will offer two Suzuki vehicles as hole-in-one prizes during the tournament. Sandra Opio, Executive Director of Watoto Child Care Ministries, said the organisation’s neighbourhood programme has supported thousands of vulnerable mothers through skills training, business mentorship and livelihood support. “Since 2008, our Neighborhood Programme has equipped nearly 9,000 vulnerable mothers with practical skills, business training and mentorship to build sustainable livelihoods,” Opio said. She added that the programme has also supported children through education initiatives. One of the beneficiaries, Allen Kenjeru, said support from Watoto helped her rebuild her life after experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. “When I joined Watoto, I had lost hope. I had no home, no stable income, and I did not know how I would raise my children. Watoto welcomed me with love, gave me skills and helped me believe in myself again,” she said. Kenjeru said she now supports other women as a community worker under the Watoto Church Neighborhood Programme. Watoto Church said the 2026 tournament is part of its long-term goal of empowering vulnerable mothers and strengthening families through economic opportunities.

026 Victoria Cup: Day 1: Uganda 2-6 Kenya It is advantage Kenya after the opening day of the 2026 Victoria Cup at the lake-side Entebbe Club. Kenya established a 4-points lead after the first day of action whose tee-off was delayed by the early morning rains in Entebbe Municipality and the surrounding areas. Kenya won five games and recorded two draws during Thursday’s action that had foursomes in the morning as well as the four ball better ball in the afternoon. Captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji won 2 UP over Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo. It was a similar victory for John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien over Andrew Ssekibejja and Godfrey Kambale. Daniel Kiragu and Krisch Shah won over Godfrey Kambale and Joseph Kasozi 5&3 during the afternoon, Lejirma and Mwathi Gicheru toppled Thembo and Amon Bwambale 3&2 and Tsevi Soni with Junaid Manji defeated Uganda’s captain John Musiimenta and Abdul Kakeeto 3&2. Uganda recorded a single win with Reagan Akena and Peter Mayende’s impressive 4&3 victory over Daniel Kiragu and Isaac Makokha. The two stalemates were recorded in the foursomes; Abdallah Kakooza with Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni as well as another in the four ball better ball when Akena and Ssekibejja held Elvis Muigua and Kevin Anyien. It is a moving day on Friday, 6th March 2026 with the foursomes’ action in the morning before the afternoon session for the four ball better ball. “We anticipate to play catch up. It was a bad start that we need to improve upon” Uganda’s captain John Musiimenta remarked. The tournament will climax on Saturday, 7th March 2026 with the singles’ action. From: DAVID ISABIRYE david@kawowo.com David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports

Last Week Incumbent Jackson Were will serve a final term in office after the Uganda Golf Union members voted him. Were was standing against two Uganda Golf Union executive committee members, vice president Anthony Agaba and committee member Joseph Okudi. The well-attended Elective AGM took place at Entebbe Sports Club. Were polled 16 votes, which were five better than Okudi. Agaba meanwhile got a miserly two votes. Shortly after victory, Were expressed delight in being entrusted with another mandate to run UGU. He was also happy that the electioneering was over. “The process of elections will always produce a winner and a loser, but for the sake of the game, it is imperative that we work together,” Were noted. “We shall work with every one willing to transform the game.” Were, a former captain of Mbarara Golf Club, previously served as Vice president during the time of Moses Matsiko. He replaced him as Uganda Golf Union President in January 2024. He is credited for having given full endorsement towards the selection of some junior golfers who went on to claim the Victoria Cup for Uganda at Kipipiri Golf resort against all odds. His team has also used the resource envelope available prudently, especially for some of the clubs upcountry. Other new Exco members are Paul Charles Rukundo, the interim Board Chairman of UGC who previously served as captain. Rukundo, Adoch Luwum and NJ Paul, the Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club captain, were voted in to replace Agaba, Samson Agamile and Okudi at a somewhat feisty meeting. The UGU Trustees are Deputy Speaker of parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Amos Nzeyi and Africa Golf Confederation boss Johnson Omollo. The opening task for the new leadership team will be the Victoria Cup which tees off on Thursday at the par-71 course. Kenya’s team, hungry to reclaim bragging rights, will be led by John Lejirma. New UGU Leadership Team 2026-2028 President – Jackson Were Vice President – Paul Charles Rukundo Hon. Secretary – Adoch Luwum Treasurer – Anette Kiconco Committee Member 1 – Paul Habyarimana Committee Member 2 – NJ Paul

The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride. Uganda is the defending champion. Event: 2026 Victoria Cup Dates: 5th to 7th March Venue: Entebbe Club, Uganda Heavy rains in Entebbe Municipality and the surrounding areas have delayed the official tee-off for the 2026 Victoria Cup between Uganda (hosts) and Kenya at the lake-side 1901 founded par-71 Entebbe golf course. As early as 6 AM, the rains started to fall and had not stopped by the anticipated 8 AM tee-off time for game one. Nonetheless, the players of the two countries had already left the team base at MIST Hotel in Kitinda, a stone throw away from Entebbe club. Organizers of the tournament confirmed the tee-off times would be extended until the weather clears. The opening day has the foursomes action with game one having Uganda’s duo of Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo against Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji. Former Uganda Open amateur champion Andrew Ssekibejja (2022) alongside with Godfrey Kambale faces 2020 Uganda Amateur Open captain John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien in game two. Game three drives off with Joseph Reagan Akena (2024 Uganda Amateur Open champion) and Peter Mayende against Daniel Kiragu and the impressive deaf golfer Isaac Makokha. Game four is between Abdallah Kakooza and Amon Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni. The official flag-raising ceremony was conducted at Entebbe club on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, witnessed by the Uganda’s State Minister of Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang as chief guest. Uganda Golf Union president Dr. Jackson Were, his Kenyan counterpart Chris Kinuthia and the Kenya High Commission commercial attache Doris Komen also graced the flag raising ceremony. Other members of the Uganda Golf Union executive Paul Charles Rukundo, Paul NJ and others were present. The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride. This year round, the Uganda Golf Union is hosting the tournament with support from several partners including MTN MoMo Uganda, Prudential Uganda, Crown Beverages Limited — makers of Aquafina — the National Council of Sports, and The R&A, the world governing body for golf. 2016 – Kenya 2017 – Kenya 2018 – Kenya 2019 – Uganda 2020 – 2021 – Not held (COVID-19 pandemic) 2022 – Kenya 2023 – Not held (technicalities) 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retained the trophy) 2025 – Uganda Team Uganda: Peter Mayende (17 years) Joseph Reagan Akena (20 years) John Musiimenta (21 years) Elton Thembo (23 years) Godfrey Kambale (23 years) Abdul Kakeeto (24 years) Amon Bwambale (22 years) Abdallah Kakooza (28 years) Andrew Ssekibejja (31 years) Joseph Kasozi (34 years) Officials: Head coach: Lt. Flavia Namakula Team manager: Paul Habyarimana Team Kenya: John Lejirma Elvis Muigua (Captain) Isaac Makokha Daniel Kiragu Ebill Omollo Junaid Manji Tsevi Soni Yuvraj Rajput Mwathi Gicheru Kevin Anyien Team Officials: Head coach: Ali Khimji Team Manager: Brian Akun Head of Delegation: Chris Kinuthia

VICTORIA CUP WINNERS 🟢 2016 – Kenya 🟢 2017 – Kenya 🟢 2018 – Kenya 🟢 2019 – Uganda 🟢 2020-2021 – Not held due to COVID-19 🟢 2022 – Kenya 🟢 2023 – Not held due to technicalities 🟢 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retains title) 🟢 2025 – Uganda 🟢 2026 – …. Coach Lt Flavia Namakula is confident Uganda will retain the Victoria Cup on home soil in Entebbe this week, indicating that they will again focus on getting their pairings and partnerships right on the opening day. “Getting the pairings right in the opening two days was the trick to our victory last year. We will focus on having a flying start,” Namakula said, after reassuring the press her team is ready, at a briefing at the National Council of Sports Headquarters at Lugogo on Monday morning. The team will miss the magic of last year’s captain Joseph Cwinya-ai but they sounded reassured because they have the bulk of the team that won last year, including youngsters Joseph Reagan Akena, Peter Mayende and John Musiimenta. Musiimenta has even been handed the captaincy. National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel flagged off Uganda’s team and challenged the Uganda Golf Union to spread the game and competitions across the country. He said the government is deliberating building multi-purpose venues and stadiums across the country and will support golfers’ plans to spread facilities across the country. Uganda Golf Union president Dr Jackson Were said other than focusing on grooming youth, more competitions will be spread across the country, citing last year’s Uganda Open that was played in Lugazi. Named after Lake Victoria, the vast freshwater expanse that unites Kenya and Uganda, the Victoria Cup is more than a golf tournament—it’s a celebration of regional pride and sporting heritage. The Victoria Cup tournament represents more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the shared golfing culture between the two nations. Over the years, it has not only enhanced the sport’s profile but also helped nurture and develop talent in the region.

Entebbe, Uganda | PHILLIP CORRY | Mercy Nyanchama claimed the MTN Entebbe Ladies Open at Entebbe Club on Saturday evening, dedicating her win to her mother, who passed on just before the Kenyan ace teed off for the tournament. The Njoro Golf Club member and reigning Uganda Ladies Open champion finished well ahead of everyone with a score of 220 gross (7 over par) in the 54-hole event. ” I would like to dedicate this win to my late mother, who passed prior to me teeing off on Day 1,” Nyanchama said at the prize giving ceremony. “I would like to thank the sponsors MTN plus all the lady golfers who took part in this tournament and thanks for the challenge over the 3 days of action.” The tournament’s 2018 winner, Neema Olomi from Tanzania, finished runner-up on countback, five strokes off the pace, with a score of 12 over par, 225, while 2025 winner Peace Kabasweka settled for third and was the best Ugandan finisher. Judith Komugisha and Martha Babirye completed the top five with 235 and 237 gross, respectively. A total of 64 lady golfers took part in both the gross and bronze categories. This tournament is a World Amateur Ranking tournament and attracted lady golfers from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The tournament was sponsored by MTN Uganda and was organised by the lady captain of East Africa’s oldest golf facility and sanctioned by the Uganda Ladies’ Golf Union.

Mercy Nyachama’s first-ever Entebbe Ladies Golf Open title could be on the horizon. Nyachama opened a two-stroke lead over defending champion Peace Kabasweka and Neema Olomi heading into the final 18 holes of the three-day championship. The Kenyan returned a 3-over-74 in the second round played on Friday, a shot better than her opening round, for a gross total of 149. Nyachama’s scorecard read two birdies, eleven pars and six bogeys. “I told myself I need to focus more than I did yesterday. I didn’t feel any pressure, I was just playing my game,” Nyachama said. Kabasweka, who was the joint leader after the opening round, fell behind by two shots. Thedefending champions faced early struggles, bogeying the opening two holes before playing even on the next four but she would register two more bogeys before completing the backnine. Tanzanian Neema Olomi quietly climbed up into contention with a 4-over-75 on Round Two to tie for second on the leaderboard with a gross total of 151. Meanwhile, Martha Babirye faded following a poor round on which she struggled with putting, especially on the back nine, where she played a double bogey on hole 11 and also bogeyed the final four holes enroute to an 8-over-79 to fall 6 shots behind the leader.

MTN Uganda has officially announced its sponsorship of the 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open, reinforcing its commitment to the growth of women’s golf and the advancement of sport as a platform for empowerment and economic inclusion. The announcement was made at the clubhouse of the historic Entebbe Club, which will host the tournament from February 26 to 28, 2026. The championship returns to the national calendar after not being staged in 2025, marking a significant revival for one of the region’s most prestigious women’s amateur golf events. Sanctioned by the Uganda Golf Union and recognized as a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, the Entebbe Ladies Open remains a premier fixture on East Africa’s amateur golf circuit. As the first Ladies Open of the 2026 season, it sets the competitive tone for the year while symbolically ushering in March, globally recognized as Women’s Month. This year’s tournament aligns with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and intentional investment in women as catalysts for broader social and economic progress. Organizers say the championship reflects the belief that when women are supported with visibility, resources, and opportunity, the entire sporting ecosystem benefits. The competition will be played on Entebbe Club’s scenic yet technically demanding 18-hole course. The main Ladies event will run from February 26 to 28. The Bronze category will compete from February 27 to 28, while the Subsidiary event—featuring men, seniors, and ladies—will take place on February 28. In a symbolic show of solidarity with the women’s championship, male participants in the subsidiary category will tee off from the ladies’ teeing boxes. Participation remains open to eligible golfers across all categories. Entry fees have been set at Shs150,000 for the Ladies Main Event, Shs100,000 for the Bronze Event, and Shs50,000 for the Subsidiary Event. Registration is being conducted through Entebbe Club in accordance with Uganda Golf Union regulations. Speaking at the launch, Justina Icabala, Enterprise Segment Manager at MTN Uganda and Team Lead of the MTN Ladies’ golfers, said the company views sport as a strategic pillar for national development. “MTN Uganda believes in the power of sport to transform lives, build networks, and create opportunity. Golf in particular provides a unique platform where business, mentorship, and personal growth intersect. Our continued support of the Entebbe Ladies Open reflects our confidence in the women shaping this sport and in the long-term value it creates for communities and for Uganda,” she said. This year’s edition will feature one of the strongest elite amateur fields in recent memory, supported by a Shs10 million elite reward package made possible through MTN Uganda’s sponsorship. The enhanced reward structure represents a progressive milestone for the amateur women’s game, where incentives of this scale have traditionally been associated with professional circuits. Organizers expect the package to raise competitive standards and inspire top-tier performance. Lady Captain of Entebbe Club, Maureen Okura, described the return of the Ladies Open as a defining moment for the club and its members. “The Entebbe Ladies Open is a significant milestone for Entebbe Club. Reviving this prestigious World Amateur Golf Ranking event reaffirms our position on the regional and global amateur golf stage. It enhances our international visibility and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the club,” she said. Among the notable players expected to compete are defending 2024 champion Kabasweka Peace from Toro Club, reigning Uganda Ladies Open 2025 champion Mercy Nyachama of Kenya, three-time Uganda Ladies Open champion Martha Babirye from Uganda Club, and 2018 Entebbe Ladies Open winner Neema Olomi of Tanzania. The field also features regional talents including Loveness Frank (Tanzania), Wendy Angudeyo (Uganda), Victoria Elias (Tanzania), Rukia Nalwoga (Uganda), and Stella Gama (Malawi). Entebbe Club professional Irene Nakalembe, who previously won the Entebbe Ladies title seven consecutive times, will compete in the subsidiary event in support of the championship. The revival of the Entebbe Ladies Open underscores Uganda’s growing stature within the regional golf community and signals renewed momentum for women’s competitive sport. With MTN Uganda’s backing, the 2026 edition is poised not only to deliver high-level competition but also to amplify the conversation around investment, inclusion, and the sustained advancement of women in golf across Uganda and the wider region.

The annual MTN Entebbe Ladies Golf Open returns at the lakeside Entebbe club, teeing off with the main cluster of golfers on Thursday, February 2026. The lady captain, Maureen Okurra, was joined by the club chairman, Eng. Jacob Byamukama, Entebbe Club captain Serwano Walusimbe and Justina Icabala Ziraba (MTN marketing). The 2026 MTN Entebbe Ladies open is here. It is the second biggest on the land. I thank the main sponsors MTN Uganda and the other partners Jacob Byamukama, Chairman – Entebbe Club Okura lauded MTN Uganda for the timely sponsorship, along with the other stakeholders. I thank the management of Entebbe club. It has been a joint effort to pull this off. Thank you MTN Uganda for they see what others do not see.Thank you for believing in the ladies and Entebbe Club. Maureen Okura, Lady Captain Entebbe Club Serwano Walusimbi, the Entebbe Club captain, expressed readiness to host the golfing fraternity at the championship. The tournament has lured the region’s cream of the crop of female golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Reigning Uganda Ladies Open champion Mercy Nyachama (Kenya) drives off at 10:10 AM alongside Wendy Angudeyo and Evelyn Atukunda during round one. Peace Kabasaweka, a pre-tournament favourite, will play game 12 with teenager Danelle Kawalya and Hadijah. Former national champion Martha Babirye is in the same pool as Rachael Mushi (Tanzania) and Okura at 9:40 AM. Doreen Mwesigye, Harsshitha Loganathan and Jazilla Daniel (Tanzania) drive off at 10:00 AM.

Sh89 million was raised last year at the inaugural Watoto Golf tournament. The target this year is to again raise as much as sh350 million through sport, to enable Watoto Church care about the community its members live in. “I was living a hopeless life with my two children in Kampala until Watoto Church members supported me with finances to start a fruit and vegetable stall. This has not only transformed my life to one of faith and hope, but I have also been able to educate my two children,” narrated Betty Tomushabe at Uganda Golf Club on Monday. Watoto Church intends to support 1,000 more mothers this year by raising sh350 million from the 2025 Watoto Golf tournament due August 9th. The plan is to boost their businesses by offering each mother a business starter kit worth Sh350,000. Watoto believes that Africa’s greatest resource is women waiting to be empowered. “The harsh reality is that many of these women have been left to bear the brunt of war, poverty, and disease. But when a woman is enabled to reach her full potential, she has the power to raise her family and transform her community and nation at large,” Watoto Church said in a statement. “We preach the gospel, but we also practice the gospel by caring for the vulnerable,” Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo told the press at the launch of the Watoto Golf Tournament at UGC Kitante. “This year, we’re teeing off with a purpose—to raise funds that will empower vulnerable mothers to build sustainable businesses and support their families.” Pastor Rwotlonyo said that through Watoto Neighbourhood, they are empowering the most vulnerable women and girls to reach their full potential. Since inception in 2008, they have reached over 6,500 women in Uganda and South Sudan, providing them with skills for a sustainable future. The Watoto Golf Tournament is about raising funds to skill vulnerable mothers. “So, whether you are playing or not, you can donate to the cause.” Sponsors include EADB, Opportunity Bank, Equity Bank, Uganda Airlines, Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), Acacia Place Limited and Akay Group of Companies How to enter A Corporate Team of 4 players – UGX 1 M Individuals Forming a Team of 4 players – UGX 600K Senior Players (55 yrs and above) – UGX 100K per person ‘New-to-golf’ (individuals) – UGX 80K per person By THE INDEPENDENT