Seven Ugandans set for Africa Amateur Golf Championship
They are up against the likes of Kenyans Michael Karanga and John Lejirma who are better ranked at 54th and 143rd positions respectively.
Titus Okwong is aiming at improving his world ranking in South Africa. (Photos by Michael Nsubuga)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club’s Reagan Akena will try to extend his rich vein of form to the Africa Amateur Golf Championship at the Leopard Creek course in South Africa, January, 5-8.
The reigning Ugandan champion who dominated the local golf scene last year and won eight majors is one of seven Ugandans who are competing in the World Amateur Ranking event that has attracted 72 of Africa’s top amateur golfers.
The rest are Titus Okwong, Michael Alunga, Elton Thembo, Ibrahim Bagalana, Joseph Cwinyaai, and Andrew Ssekibejja; who alongside Godfrey Nsubuga competed in the inaugural event last year.
Joseph Akena has taken the fight to South Africa. 
At 195, Akena is the best-ranked Ugandan on the country’s contingent followed by Cwinyaa and Alunga who are ranked 251st and 562nd in the world respectively. Okwong (1447), Bagalana (1852), Ssekibejja (2290) and Thembo (3026) will not be only vying for the championship but also looking at improving their rankings.
They are up against the likes of Kenyans Michael Karanga and John Lejirma who are better ranked at 54th and 143rd positions respectively.
South Africans Louis Moolman (538) and Oliver Goldhill (1090) are also in the fray alongside other players from different countries across the continent.
Ugandan top ladies Peace Kabasweka (209) and Martha Babirye ranked 759th are also part of 21 elite African women from eight countries that will also be in action over the four days.
Ibrahim Bagalana is in South Africa for the African championship. 
The R&A sponsors the event to ensure that there is investment in players’ pathways through the work of the Africa Golf Confederation and its affiliates across Africa.
The introduction of the championship complements existing amateur championships jointly organised by the R&A in Asia-Pacific and Latin America and will enable players from Africa to play at the highest level, as well as create a pathway for African golfers to develop and become an inspiration for others to follow.
The championship will also build on an Africa High-Performance Program established in 2023 by the R&A and delivered to players and coaches in African countries as part of a wider effort to develop golf and provide support to players aspiring to reach elite levels of the sport.