Mzee Basaliza celebrates his 99th birthday with an 18-hole round at Tooro Club

The importance of exercise and working out for good health is exemplified by Tooro Club life member Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza, who celebrated his 99th birthday on Sunday with an 18-hole round at his home club.

Mzee Kijana, as he is popularly known in golfing circles, is one of the oldest active golfers in the world. He has played the sport for over 58 years and continues to do so.

At 99, you might expect him to be at home cuddling his grandchildren from two generations and enjoying their company. However, he keeps the game close to his heart by constructing a chipping and putting green in his compound, ensuring he never misses a day without interacting with the sport.

As a dairy farmer, his walking stick while touring his cows is a golf club, which he swings as he walks around the farm. This dedication is why his big family, led by one of his sons, Major Stephen Basaliza, found it fitting to celebrate his 99th birthday with a round of golf with members of Tooro Club.

They made it easier by hiring a golf cart for him to navigate the hilly course. Despite looking frail on the outside, his inner spirit and drive to play are unmatched, and he can still strike the ball beyond 150 yards at his age.

He was drawn with his fellow trustee at the club, Gilbert Mujogya, and senior golfers David Mugambwa and George Kansiime, with whom he enjoyed his birthday round.

“The first nine was okay, but the second was a bit tiresome. However, I managed to finish the 18 holes, which was good. I have taken a long time without playing, but I tried to play well, and I was lucky to be provided with a golf cart. Thanks to whoever assisted me,” Basaliza said.

“This sport has been very good to me because I have come to know so many people. The first professional golfers came from my village, and even the current professionals have a big representation from Tooro Club.”

“Every free time for me is golf time, which is why I have a putting green in my compound. Because of this game, I’m fit, and even my eyes can see very well.”

He advises his fellow seniors to keep up with the sport because of its immense benefits, although he also attributes his longevity to eating and drinking well and being honest.

“My family should continue sponsoring the sport to maintain the legacy. Even when I die, I would like to be buried near the 9th hole under the big tree that I planted myself about 25 years ago. It would also help them get known,” Basaliza stated.

Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza receives a gift from Rotarians as he celebrated his 99th birthday at the Tooro Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of this event. I would also like to thank the members of Tooro Club for keeping the club going,” Basaliza said.

“This was a white-only sport, and they had an expression that an unaccompanied dog is not welcome at the club. But I somehow joined the sport, and here I am. All I want to tell people is this sport is very good, which is why the government is now supportive of its growth. So, I thank everyone who is part of this sport and all those who have organized this event. I’m looking forward to a similar event next year,” Basaliza stated.

Former politician and minister Edward Rugumayo, who was the chief guest at the function, encouraged everyone to find a sport they can engage in to keep their minds and bodies active.

“He is an ageless wonder, a miracle of a person who has played his golf up to the last hole today. How many people of his age can do that? He has been a great example for us, a great lesson that each one of us must find a sport to keep our minds and bodies active,” Rugumayo stated.

“Although I don’t play golf, I love golfers and I love their company,” he stated.

Basaliza at 99 tournament results

Seniors-Ladies

Jill Pinda Birungi 75nett

Seniors 55-64

Hood Nsubuga 83

65-74years

David Mugambwa 73

Seniors 75-plus

A.K Mayanja 72

Gilbert Mujogya Atwooki 75

Group A men

Robert Mabano 68cb

Chris Arinaitwe 68

Gross players

Wyclf Marxman 76

Robert Mugabe 79

Ladies

Gorret Kabahweza 66nett

Mariam Kluge 67

Lucia Tibahwiwura 73