Pearl of Africa Golf Series back with increased kitty
Professionals, in particular, are motivated by an increased prize fund. This year’s purse stands at sh27m, up from sh17m last year.
Herman 'Deco' Mutebi reacts during last year's POA Golf Series tournament at Entebbe Club. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)
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The second edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the par-71 Entebbe Club, with elite amateurs and professionals preparing for the event.
Professionals, in particular, are motivated by an increased prize fund. This year’s purse stands at sh27m, up from sh17m last year.
Among the contenders is Grace Kasango, who recently finished second in the Kilelesi Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
“I can’t wait,” the soft-spoken golfer noted. “I have been putting really well, and if I can replicate what I have been doing lately, I will give myself a chance. The POA Series are timely because we need each and every event to maintain our mindsets in the competitive frame of professional golfers.”
The event is expected to attract a strong field, including Herman Mutebi, David Kamulindwa, Phillip Kasozi, Deo Akope, and Ronald Rugumayo, who has been active on the Big Easy Tour in South Africa.
Launched last year at Kitante, the POA Series was designed to elevate Uganda's professional golf ecosystem to international standards. As the series grows, organisers aim to attract local and regional professionals to compete for a prize pool expected to increase each year.
While much attention is on the professionals, elite amateurs will also compete in their own category for a Shs5m prize package.
Last year’s amateur events were won by John Musiimenta (UGC), Michael Tumusiime (Entebbe), and Joseph Kasozi (Lugazi), while the professional events were claimed by Marvin Kibirige (UGC), Herman Mutebi (Entebbe), and Rugumayo (Lugazi).
Juliet Anena, the founder of the POA Series, remains optimistic about the initiative’s long-term impact.
“One of the things we highlighted at the launch was our dream, with my partners, to establish a sustainable earning platform for pro golfers through consistent prize money, sponsorship opportunities, and increased visibility,” she said. “We shall not relent until we get there.”
The Entebbe leg is supported by Exim Bank, Uganda Golf Union, Vivo Energy, Aquafina, Home Bliss, MTN, and Case Medical Services.