Golf pioneer Basaliza celebrated for unmatched spirit at 99

Golfers have praised the resilience Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza has exhibited over the 58 years he has been a golfer. Basaliza celebrated his 99th birthday on December 24 and is believed to be one of the oldest living active players on earth.

Michael Musiime Koima, a member at Tooro Club, said it is a great experience to witness such a player and a great lesson, especially to the current generation of golfers who are not consistent.

Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza receives a gift from Rotarians as he celebrated his 99th birthday at the Tooro Club, December 22, 2024.

“Most of the time we pretend to be busy and tired and tend to give up when we are challenged. But at 99 years it is a life lesson that we should always continue to push on just like in life where you shouldn’t just give up.

“This also shows that golf is part of life and when you factor in the exercise it is also good for health, but it is also a lesson that we can use the time that we have to keep engaged in life. It is something we can learn from him,” Koima noted.

He said Basaliza at 99 should inspire people out there who think that maybe it is too late to join the sport. It shows that you can join at any time.

“There is really no age limit in golf. The earlier you join, the better, but also when you join you shouldn’t pull out because of age; it shouldn’t be an excuse and we should use Mzee Basalirwa as an example that we can continue to play beyond ninety and beyond.”

“So we wish for him to continue, and we look forward to his 100-year celebration. It will be a milestone for Tooro Club and for his legacy and to the rest of the country,” Koima, who has so far played for about five years, stated.

He noted that the sport offers not only an opportunity for exercise but also networking, keeping together, getting new connections, as well as using time effectively.

National ladies’ team captain Peace Kabasweka said Mzee Apuuli has always been supportive, inspired them, and always travelled to Kampala, especially when they are playing big competitions, to support Tooro Club golfers in action.

Gilbert Atwooki Mujogya, who has known Basaliza for 66 years, said he has been a phenomenal golfer who is well known for sponsoring golf tournaments at the Tooro Club.

Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza dances with some of the guests as he celebrated his 99th birthday at the Tooro Club, December 22, 2024.

“He is an icon in terms of golf, no wonder Tooro Club is known as the cradle of golf because all these young golfers that have played for the national team for so many years were emulating Mzee Basaliza. At Tooro Club, we are what we are because of him,” Mujogya said.

“There are so many generations of people that have come because of him, and for that, we thank God for his life, the reason we are celebrating.”

Frank Kirungi, the chairman of Tooro Club, said Basaliza had set up a challenge to many of the golfers and remains an inspiration to many.

“He has been able to play at 99, and this is a challenge to young players who are now more challenged. He is still very strong, and we pray that God grants him more years.

“His contribution to golf has been immense, and his inspiration is unmatched as many of Tooro golfers are still top,” Kirungi said.

Kirungi encouraged and challenged the Basaliza family members and grandchildren to continue the legacy of the old man.

Abdu-Khadil Mayanja, 92, who has played with Basaliza since the 70s, said he has loved the sport and ensured the course remains playable for all this time.

“Since I broke my leg as a footballer, I switched to golf, and it has helped us stay healthy.

“We are very healthy, and if you compare us with other aged persons in the same age category, none can match our fitness because many of them are bedridden. But for us, we can move, and we have been able to play the 18 holes,” Mayanja said.

“This is a very good sport, and I would encourage everyone to join the sport.”

Stephen Basaliza, one of his sons, praised him for his determination and for soldiering on and sacrificing for the sport.

“He is the father of golf in the country and in Tooro. He was a member of the executive, a senior trustee, and is a life member for the last 16 years. He has always been keen on maintaining the course even with his own resources.”

“At 99, this is a precursor for his centurion next year, and he is the oldest golfer in Africa and believed to be the oldest golfer in the world who is still active at his age,” Basaliza noted.