The inaugural Ugandan Irish Open Golf tournament has laid a foundation of friendship between Uganda and Ireland for a better future. 

The Irish ambassador to Uganda and Rwanda, Kevin Colgan said the relationship will not only stop in sports but also other areas. 

The ambassador was the chief guest at the inaugural tournament at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday which was sponsored by the Irish Embassy in Uganda. 

“The Irish community has been in Uganda for the last 70 years and the official government presence has been in Uganda for the last 30 years. We have 350 golf courses in Ireland and I hope the annual tournament shall bridge the two countries in many things including charity programs that involve sports, education, health, climate change, and others,” said Colgan. 

The tournament director, James O'Sullivan, a member of Entebbe Golf Club promised a bigger tournament next year.

“We registered 160 players and collected sh100m from the charity golf tournament. We hope to make it bigger next year as we shall also be honouring Saint Patrick month,” noted O’Sullivan. 

The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka hailed the Irish government for the innovation that brought in players from other countries to compete.

The Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Kevin Colgan (right) and Madonna of Rubarika Safari Lodge handing over goodies to the winner, Jovia Tugume (left) at Entebbe Golf Club. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Handicap 19 players Marin Etienne and Jovia Tugume were the first winners of the Ugandan Irish Open Golf for men and women respectively where all category winners earned a free night in different hotels and resorts in the country.

Winners of the Uganda Ireland Open Golf
 
Overall Winners

Men- Marin Etienne 42 Pts

Women – Jovia Tugume 39 pts

Group A Winners

Men- Tony Kisadha 39 pts

R/Up - Basabose   John   38 pts

Women – Harriet Kitaka 35c/b pts[SK1] 

R/Up - Sarah Nduhukire   36 pts

Group B Winners

Men – Lony Akena 41 pts

R/Up - Byamugisha Geoffrey 38 pts.

Women – Thorunn Hreggvidsdotir 38 pts

R/Up - Josephine Babirye  35 pts

Group C

Men-Ronald Gayiya 40 pts.

R/Up - Okema   James     38 pts.

Longest drive

Men- Ronald Osekeny

Women- Venessa Pesis

Hole in One

Peter Apell on hole 12

Nearest to the Pin

Men - Peter Apell

Women – Harriet Kitaka