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At a flag off ceremony held at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo, Kampala, NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel expressed strong confidence in Uganda’s junior golf team as they prepare to compete in the All-Africa Junior Team Championship in Tunis, Tunisia.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogwel praised the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) for its efforts in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“When I see these young boys and girls, I see discipline, ambition, and great potential”
Dr Ogwel while addressing the media during the flag off ceremony at Cooper chimney
“Go and shine for Uganda in Tunisia.”
Dr. Ogwel, a member of Lira Golf Club, noted the quality of golf talent across the country and commended UGU for its transparency, smooth transitions, and effective governance.
He emphasized that golf is one of the best-managed sports disciplines in Uganda.
The national junior team is set to depart for Tunisia on April 20, ahead of the tournament, which will run from April 24 to 27.
Uganda will compete against 14 other countries, including strong contenders like South Africa.
The top two teams will qualify for the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan later this year. Uganda has previously featured in the prestigious event twice.
The boys’ team includes Anthony Otukei (captain), Peter Mayende, Shaka Kariisa, and John Paul Rugumambaju.
The girls’ team features Rachael Laura Natukunda, Keisha Wiltshire Kagoro, and Elizabeth Danelle Kawalya.
Otukei, who also recently debuted for the senior national team, voiced the team’s readiness:
“We have prepared well and are ready to compete against the continent’s best.”
Team manager Paul Habyarimana and head coach Flavia Namakula will accompany the squad. Namakula expressed optimism about the team’s chances.
“I’m confident we shall perform to the best of our expectations,” she said.
UGU President Dr. Jackson Were and Uganda Ladies Golf Union President Rita Akot Apell both thanked the government, through NCS, for funding the team’s trip and supporting golf development in recent years.
Were emphasized the Union’s readiness and trust in the young team to represent the country with pride.
