Basil Atinoi's patience pays off with Caddies tournament win at 2026 Absa Chairman's Bell

At the Uganda Golf Club, patience often separates a good round from a championship win. For Basil Atinoi, who just won the 2026 Caddies Tournament at the Absa Chairman’s Bell, patience is not just a golf tactic, it has shaped his whole life.

Atinoi started playing golf in 2013. After finishing high school and looking for work, he asked his cousin, who is the starter at the UGC tee box, to help him become a caddy. 

For the next thirteen years, Atinoi learned the Kitante course inside out. Since 2015, he has caddied for professional golfer Philip Kasozi. Their partnership has taught Atinoi a lot, and he still learns from and supports Kasozi, who is now competing in the Professional category of this year’s Chairman’s Bell tournament.

"He mentored me and taught me many things," Atinoi reflects. "I’ve learned patience and discipline from him. As a caddy, you have to think a few steps ahead of the player. We are always observing, playing out scenarios for the right decisions, and guiding them when the pressure mounts."

Caddie Basil Akinoi (right) receives his trophy for winning the Absa Chairman's Bell Caddies tournament from UGC Chairman Paul Nuwagaba at the Uganda Golf Club, July 18, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Atinoi’s focus and calm were clear during last week’s tournament. He played impressively, making back-to-back birdies on holes eight and nine and adding two more birdies on the tough par-threes.

"Golf is a game where the world is moving so fast," Atinoi says.

"But the love of nature and the quiet moments for three to four hours without a phone, away from the noise is incredibly rewarding. Atinoi is still very dedicated to golf, but he is also working hard to build a career outside the sport. He dreams of joining Uganda’s growing coffee industry and has used his caddying earnings to pay for his education.

After completing a barista course and working briefly at Caramel, he aimed even higher—toward coffee roasting and quality control. Despite limited funds, Atinoi saved enough to finish advanced training and is now a qualified junior coffee roaster. 

Absa Bank Uganda supports tournaments like the Chairman’s Bell to celebrate determination and growth at the grassroots level. Atinoi’s story shows the spirit of Ugandan youth, who are not limited to a single path. As Atinoi looks for new chances in the coffee industry and keeps improving his golf, he approaches both with the same mindset.

"I encourage anyone who is capable to give golf a shot because it teaches you how life moves," Atinoi smiles. 

"In this game, there is no perfection. Every day, you keep searching for the best shot, but you have to show up, practice, and keep trying till your stroke and story change.”