UGU kick-starts the revival of the Masaka golf course

As part of their mandate to develop the game of golf in the country, the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) has spearheaded the revamping of the Masaka Golf Course which has for a long time been neglected and under threat from land grabbers.

UGU president Moses Matsiko and his vice Jackson have unveiled plans to bring the course back to life after meeting the Masaka City leadership led by the Mayor Florence Namayanja, the Town Clerk Geoffrey Bemanyisa, and council members at the mayor’s offices in Masaka City.

Namayanja explained that she had received concern from the community on how that space was being utilized and noted that there was a need for co-existence between Masaka City Council, the community, and the golfers.

Uganda Golf Union president Moses Matsiko tees-off as Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja and other members of the Masaka Sports Club look on

“We need to survey that land and ascertain how much is left for the golf course before the designs are made. This facility has been misused and it has become very expensive for the council to maintain it, yet it was designed as a golf course. So, we want the golfers to utilize it by planting trees and flowers and putting it to proper use,” she said.

Matsiko said they will start on the rehabilitation and re-development of the course for two main purposes; golf and providing a green belt for the city for environmental benefits that come with it; eco-balance, pollution.

A view of the Masaka Golf Course with the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in the background.. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Masaka is one of the most robust cities after Kampala and it would be unfair if such a wonderful city does not have a green belt. One of our contributors to our economy is now sports tourism especially golf tourism which is on the rise and brings in international golfers.

He said the golf course will help the city capture some of the tourists before they head further to the west.

“We also want to embark on junior development because the heart and future of any sport are in the juniors and we don’t want to leave Masaka behind.

A view of the Masaka Golf Course, November 18, 2022. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Part of our strategic plan is to provide training for junior development through collaboration with schools through clinics by bringing in professionals to teach them.

Golf is an exciting game and we call it ‘physical chess’ because it teaches youngsters how to think, how to be patient, and how to calm themselves under pressure and is one of the best sports that nurtures internal discipline and excellence.

“We think this a good undertaking that should benefit the people of Masaka. We intend to engage a resident professional to ensure those that intend to start playing get the right training before Masaka gets to host local tournaments.

Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja (2nd left) and Masaka Sports Club Chairman Joseph Mukwaya (2nd right) pose with Uganda Golf Union president Moses Matsiko (right) and his vice ,Jackson Were (left) after a tour of the Masaka Golf Course. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He said the union will provide starter clubs and balls which the juniors and potential golfers can use to train with before they can buy their equipment.

The Town Clerk Geoffrey Bemanyisa noted that there has been a series of correspondences about the golf project but it hadn’t taken off and said It is something that must be streamlined.

“When you check on the urban centers that are in the age bracket of Masaka, they have golf courses that are well streamlined,” Bemanyisa said.

He underlined the benefits that will come with the course in operation including helping in relieving stress and improving people’s health.

“The golf course and the leisure parks are meant to have areas where people can meet and participate in activities that can help them manage stress. It is an important facility in an urban setup and we need it,”

Now that we have gotten the political will, I appeal to the UGU to ensure they don’t miss on that. It means we can now work on a series of activities necessary to get started,” Bemanyisa said.

He said there was a need to come up with a road map to ensure the matter is concluded so that Masaka can have a golf facility in the city.

The chairman of Masaka Sports Club Joseph Mukwaya who at one time also served as the Chief Administrative Officer said they had fought off several land grabbers over the years to preserve the land.

In 2017, despite an interim order by the Masaka High Court barring the Bank of Uganda from carrying out any developments on the golf, construction work continued giving way to the Bank of Uganda currency center which ate into the then-contested land.