Over 100 golfers for the Namulonge Golf Open's 5th edition

Abdallah Kakooza and Marvin Kibirige, both from Namulonge, will get another chance to prove themselves on their home course during the fifth Equity-NARO Golf Open at the Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club from November 27 to 29.

Last year, the two led the amateur and professional categories, making them the top contenders as the tournament returns with bigger prizes. Amateurs and pros will compete for a total prize pool of sh15m—sh5m for amateurs and sh10m for professionals—at the event launched in Namulonge on Monday.

The tournament tees off on Thursday, with the top amateurs playing 36 holes before completing the 54 holes on Friday, the same day the professionals play 36 holes. The event will conclude with an 18-hole subsidiary event on Saturday.

This year’s event will be one of celebration, as the title sponsors mark 17 years in business in Uganda, coinciding with the National Crops Resources Research Institute’s (NaCRRI) 75-year celebration.

Claver Sserumaga (3rd left) the executive director of Equity Bank, tournament director Keneth Tumusiime (center) and the club chairman Herbert Kamuntu (left), NaCCRI director Titus Alicai (2nd left), Euqity's Clare Tumwesigye and club captain Timothy Lwanga parade some of the trophies to be competed for during the launch of the fifth edition of the Equity-NARO Namulonge Golf Open at the Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The tournament will run under the theme "Swinging to 17 Years of Equity Bank Growth," celebrating Equity Bank's success, impact, and partnerships in Uganda's financial sector.

Claver Sserumaga, the executive director of Equity Bank, said they were excited to be part of the unique and exciting tournament for the 5th year. “It is a unique tournament with various categories. Namulonge is the home of golf in Uganda. Almost every other golfer in this country has been nurtured here. Namulonge nurtures golfers, transforming people’s and golfers’ lives, and that directly speaks to our purpose at Equity Bank,” Sserumaga said.

"This year's tournament is not just another edition; it carries with it a deep and meaningful milestone. Equity Bank is celebrating 17 years of serving the people of Uganda. Seventeen years of growth, partnership, innovation, and shared prosperity. Seventeen years of walking hand in hand with individuals, families, and businesses to transform lives and livelihoods," he stated.

"To commemorate this special anniversary, the 17th hole of the tournament will be symbolically marked as the Equity 17th Hole, representing every step of progress we have made together with our customers, partners and communities over these 17 impactful years."

The Director of Research at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Titus Alicai, said the tournament offers them a platform to engage with their stakeholders, who are valid, but also to reflect on the milestones and achievements of the institute and to look into the future together.

“But most importantly, we want to inspire the youngsters not only in sport but also in agriculture. The innovations we have here will help you to be healthy,” Alicai noted. He urged the golfers to come and enjoy the serene and quiet environment in Namulonge.

The tournament director and vice captain of the Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club, Namulonge Keneth Tumusiime, said the tournament continues to grow in strength and competitiveness and envisages an even tougher contest this year.

“We have over 100 players registered in the subsidiary event, an exceptional demonstration of how vibrant and inclusive our golf community has become. In addition, we have about 50 golfers comprising the professionals and top amateurs, creating a highly competitive field for the 36-hole professionals’ event and the 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking event.

We remain grateful to Equity Bank, whose partnership allows us to stage a well-organized event with strong prize purses and solid support for both the pros and amateurs,” Tumusiime stated.

The launch was also attended by the club captain Timothy Lwanga, the club chairman Herbert Kamuntu, and Equity Bank’s head of marketing and communication Clare Tumwesigye.