Kabarira and Namanda claim inaugural caddies' titles at Watoto Golf Tournament

Wednesday Schedule

Professionals 7:00 am

Elite Amateurs 7:00 am

Denis Kabarira and Joweria Namanda emerged victorious in the opening event of the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament after posting gross scores of 75 and 84 respectively in the men's and women's caddies' competition at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

Kabarira outclassed a field of 33 male caddies, while Namanda topped a 12-player women's field to claim the inaugural caddies' titles at the week-long tournament organized by Watoto Church Ministries.

The third edition of the annual tournament aims to raise Shs450 million to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers through the Watoto Neighborhood Program, which equips women with entrepreneurship and business management skills to help them achieve financial independence.

The one-day, 18-hole caddies' event officially opened the week-long championship. Action now shifts to the elite amateur and professional golfers, who begin their respective four- and five-day competitions on Wednesday, with the tournament climaxing on Saturday.

The elite amateurs will compete for a prize kitty of Shs10 million, to be shared among the top 10 finishers, while the professionals will battle for Shs22 million, with only the top 12 players making the cut after the qualifying rounds.

Fresh from his victory, Kabarira, who earlier this year won the 2026 National Caddies Open and finished runner-up at the ABSA Caddies Tournament two weeks ago, appealed for sponsorship to help him pursue a professional golfing career.

"I caddy because I lack the funds to compete consistently in amateur tournaments. I am only waiting for the day I get a sponsor so that I can play professional golf," Kabarira said.

He cited Ugandan professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo as one of the former caddies who progressed through the ranks after securing sponsorship.

Women's winner Namanda echoed similar concerns, saying the financial demands of competing have slowed her progress and forced her to settle into caddying.

"Tournament entry fees range between Shs50,000 and Shs300,000, and you also have to pay a caddie. It is a big challenge. My dream is to one day shoot level par on the 72-par Kitante course as my breakthrough towards turning professional," Namanda said.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday with the professionals completing their 72-hole championship, while the subsidiary categories will compete over 18 holes.

Watoto Caddies Golf Tournament Results

Men- 3 Top Winners.

Denis Kabarira 75 Gross

Mark Muhumuza 77 Gross

Bruce Gomushabe 78 Gross

Women- 3 Top Winners.

Joweria Namanda 84 Gross

Rebecca Muwanguzi 85 Gross

Regina Nabalamba 88 Gross