Garvin Bwambale, Valerie Karemera shine at NCBA Junior Golf Series grand finale

Uganda's junior golf development received another major boost over the weekend as the NCBA Junior Golf Series concluded its sixth season at Uganda Golf Club, showcasing a growing pool of young talent and strengthening the country's presence on the international golf stage.

The grand finale brought together some of Uganda's best junior golfers, capping a highly competitive season that highlighted the sport's steady growth and the increasing opportunities for young players to compete locally and internationally.

Since its launch in Uganda, the NCBA Junior Golf Series has become a key platform for nurturing young golfers aged six to 18. The program provides structured competition, mentorship, and exposure, helping young players develop their skills while preparing them for higher levels of competition.

The series, which operates under the broader U.S. Kids Golf Uganda Local Tour, has expanded significantly in recent years and now supports more than 200 competitive junior golfers across the country.

Some of the top finishers of season of the NCBA Kids Golf

This year, Kilembe Mines Golf Club player Garvin Bwambale emerged as the overall winner in the boys' 16-18 category with 200 points accumulated from six outings. He improved on his second-place finish from last year to claim the title. His victory was aided by the absence of perennial winner Peter Bwambale, who featured in only one event. Mathew Nambale finished second with 136 points.

In the girls' 15-18 category, Valerie Karemera emerged champion with 167 points, a significant improvement from her fourth-place finish in Season Five. She was followed by Patience Nafuna of Mbale with 136 points.

In the girls' 13-14 category, Shanita Chebet won with 170 points, while Harshitha Loganathan of Lugazi finished second with 120 points.

Season Six attracted more than 100 golfers competing across various boys' and girls' age categories ranging from six to 18. This season, NCBA Bank Uganda strengthened its commitment to inclusive sports development by sponsoring 10 underprivileged junior golfers, providing them with access to training, equipment, and tournament participation.

Speaking after the season finale, NCBA Bank Uganda Head of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship Edgar Tusiime said the program continues to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of golfers and leaders.

"The NCBA Junior Golf Series continues to demonstrate the transformative role of sport in shaping discipline, resilience, and opportunity among young people. We are encouraged by the talent emerging through this platform and the increasing confidence with which these juniors are competing at higher levels," Tusiime said.

Through the tournament, 31 junior golfers have progressed significantly, with seven earning places on Uganda's national team. Several have gone on to represent the country at international tournaments in South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates, helping raise Uganda's profile in junior golf.

U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Uganda Coach and Director Les Brown praised the impact of the partnership in transforming junior golf development, noting that with continued investment and support, Uganda is well-positioned to become a dominant force in junior golf within the region.