Uganda’s national junior golf team has been officially flagged off ahead of the 2025 Africa Junior Championship set to tee off in Tunisia.
At a spirited send-off ceremony held on Wednesday at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo, General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel hailed the players’ discipline, ambition, and raw talent, urging them to make the country proud on the continental stage.
“When I see these young boys and girls, I see potential—well-disciplined, ambitious and talented individuals. Go and shine for Uganda,” Dr Ogwel said. “Some of you may not know, but I belong to Lira Golf Club—I know the talent we have in this country.”
Dr Ogwel also praised the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) for its consistency in talent development and management, noting that golf remains one of the best-run federations in terms of governance and accountability.
South Africa, perennial powerhouses in African junior golf, remain the team to beat in Tunisia. But Uganda, who have twice qualified for the prestigious Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan, are determined to punch above their weight once again.
Squad Set to Swing
Uganda’s hopes rest on a promising group of youngsters. The boys’ team features Anthony Otukei, Peter Mayende, Shaka Kariisa and John Paul Rugumambaju. On the girls’ side, Rachael Laura Natukunda, Keisha Wiltshire Kagoro and Elizabeth Danelle Kawalya will carry the nation’s hopes.
They will be under the watchful eyes of team manager Paul Habyarimana and coach Flavia Namakula, herself a celebrated figure in Ugandan golf.
Uganda Golf Union President Dr Jackson Were expressed gratitude to the government for funding the team’s trip, saying the support has enabled proper preparations ahead of the high-stakes event.
“Thanks to the government through NCS, the Union has adequately prepared for the Tunis competition and we are confident our boys and girls will not let us down,” Dr Were said.
President of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union, Rita Akot Apell, echoed the appreciation, noting the growing support for national golf teams in recent years.
The Africa Junior Championship not only offers silverware but also two golden tickets to the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan—a prize Uganda will be eager to chase.
