Chairman’s Bell golf Championship returns with four-in-one tournament
The club has transitioned into a private limited liability organisation with a board of trustees, and the tournament will now be known as the Absa Chairman's Bell Golf Tournament.
Absa Managing Director David Wandera (right) addresses the press flanked by UGC Chairman Paul Nuwagaba to launch the Chairman's Bell Tournament, at Kitante, July 1, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
The UGC Captain's Bell Golf Championship, previously overseen by the captain of the Uganda Golf Club, who served as head of the board and management committees, is making a comeback this year under a new structure.
The club has transitioned into a private limited liability organisation with a board of trustees, and the tournament will now be known as the Absa Chairman's Bell Golf Tournament.
The 8th edition event, for which Absa Bank has committed sh185m, returns with a four-in-one tournament involving the gross amateurs to play on July 14-16, the professionals’ event on July 14-17, the main event to be played on July 18, and a caddies’ event to be played on July 13.
The professionals’ event to be played over 72 holes has a kitty of sh20m; the gross amateurs, men and women, have a combined sh6m (sh4m and sh2m respectively), while the caddies will play for sh2m.
Absa Managing Director David Wandera (right) exchanges pleasntries with UGC Captain Brian Rwaboogo (left) and chairman Paul Nuwagaba as he hands over a sh185m cheque for the Chairman's Bell Tournament, at Kitante, July 1, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Addressing a press conference at the event launch at Kitante on Wednesday, UGC chairman Paul Nuwagaba said the tournament has a tradition of over 70 years, with this one honouring the newly ushered-in leadership.
“It's a cherished annual tradition, this tournament, for the management team but also for the members to experience golf. But also, for our partners like Absa, who want to see its growth not just for the members but for the community in which we play the game,” Nuwagaba, who was flanked by the club captain Brian Rwaboogo, said.
“Absa’s participation in golf is not just for Uganda but in the region, extending to what we all know as the Magical Kenya Open and their association with the European Tour Group. “So, it's an opportunity to celebrate competitive excellence across the different categories. We look forward to welcoming over 250 golfers.”
“Over time, the tournament has evolved into one of the most prestigious features on Uganda's golf calendar. It brings together professional golfers, amateurs, business leaders, and enthusiasts around the shared pursuit of excellence, competition, and community.”
“Golf stands out as a powerful space for building relationships, nurturing discipline, and unlocking opportunity and driving community impact. This is why our partnership with Uganda Golf Club has remained strong and purposeful over the years,” he stated.
He said adding a caddies competition reflects their commitment to growing the sport in Uganda by creating pathways for talent development, giving them an opportunity to compete, gain visibility, and progress within the sport.
He thanked the Uganda Golf Club, the Uganda Golf Union, and their fellow sponsors and the organising committee for their dedication in making this tournament possible. UGC’s board of seven includes Nuwagaba and Brian Rwaboogo, the captain serving alongside Lady Captain Gloria Mbaguta, in addition to four directors: Bernard Katehangwa, Dickson Agaba, Emmanuel Wamimbi, and Tom Kakaire.