Parliament to honour Uganda’s golf team after Victoria Cup triumph

Uganda’s Parliament will honour the national golf team for their outstanding victory in the Victoria Cup over the weekend.

The triumphant team was warmly received upon their return at the Uganda Golf Club on Monday by Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament Dickson Kateshumbwa and Uganda Golf Union (UGU) President Jackson Were.

Uganda secured a hard-fought win against Kenya with a final score of 14.5 to 11.5, clinching the title by three and a half points at the Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort in Nyandarua County, Kenya. This victory marks Uganda’s second championship title since their last win on home soil in 2019.

Kateshumbwa congratulated the team for their resilience and for raising Uganda’s flag high against a formidable Kenyan side often perceived as unbeatable. He emphasized the growing opportunities for young golfers to turn professional early, provided they have the right pathway.

“The world of golf is full of opportunities to excel and showcase your talent. Many of you are young—study hard, stay disciplined, and keep your game strong,” he advised.

Uganda's Golf Team pose with the Victoria Cup upon return from the chmapionship in Kenya, at Kitante, March 24, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Kateshumbwa also revealed that the Speaker of Parliament has been informed, and the team will be formally recognized when the House resumes from recess. He stressed the need to change the perception of golf as an elite sport for the wealthy and elderly, highlighting its potential to create jobs, attract tourism, and boost the economy. As a gesture of appreciation, Kateshumbwa presented cash tokens to each team member, raised by the golfing community.

UGU President Jackson Were thanked the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports for their support, which enabled the team’s early departure for the championship. He praised the young players for defying expectations and bringing home the trophy.

“Seeing youngsters dominate the team confirms our junior development program is on the right track,” Were said. He announced plans to sign a memorandum with the Uganda Senior Secondary Schools Sports Association to integrate golf into school sports.

“To the juniors, the sky is not the limit—this is just the beginning. We’ve been tasked with preparing a school team to represent Uganda in Morocco this year,” he added, urging young players to balance academics with sports.

Team captain Joseph Cwinyaai credited their success to early acclimatization, noting that this was the youngest squad he had ever led.

“The union trusted these young players, and they delivered. Their eagerness to learn and adaptability made a huge difference. This victory is special—it’s our first away win, and we’re proud to bring the trophy home,” Cwinyaai said.

Coach Flavia Namakula emphasized the union’s focus on nurturing future stars through exposure to high-level competition.

“It was a tough battle, but we thank God for the victory. After a shaky start, the pressure was immense, but the boys showed incredible determination,” Namakula said. “Our strategy is clear: develop young talent by giving them international experience early.”

The team featured a youthful lineup, including 15-year-old Peter Mayende, 16-year-old Anthony Otukei, and 18-year-old Ibrahim Ssemakula, with only Cwinyaai and Titus Okwong in their early 30s.