ULGU unveils team for All-Africa Challenge trophy in Abuja

The Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU) has unveiled a three-member team to represent Uganda at this year’s All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, Nigeria, November 2-7.

On Friday at the Uganda Golf Club, ULGU president Rita Akot Apell announced Judith Komugisha, Harsshitha Loganathan, and Keisha Kagoro, guided by coach Flavia Namakula, as Uganda’s representatives for this year’s event, which is expected to attract 22 countries.

Uganda last competed in the 16th edition at Tazegzout Golf Course, Agadir, Morocco, in 2024, finishing fourth out of 20 countries.

Peace Kabasweka, Martha Babirye, and Merom Kyomugisha represented the country then, but this year the union has selected a younger team for one of the continent's premier women's amateur golf events.

Akot explained that the team selection reflects ongoing collaboration with the Uganda Golf Union, focusing on a high-performance program designed to create genuine opportunities for developing women's golf in the country.

“The union has made a conscious effort to strengthen this initiative across all affiliated groups. Building this pathway is crucial for player growth, and we are genuinely excited to lead this new team, placing our hopes in them,” Akot stated. She emphasised that increasing competitive opportunities for talented golfers is a key objective.

Paul Habyarimana, representing the Uganda Golf Union, expressed excitement about the new team and called for support as they transition.

“It's great to see the potential in these up-and-coming young women, who are leading the way. There's a bright future ahead for women's golf, and those of us who have been around longer, former players, parents, and fans, need to give them a real chance, back them, and be understanding as they develop,” Habyarimana said.

“Golf is a process; everyone starts somewhere and improves over time, but it's incredibly tough without support. I'm pleased the ladies’ union leadership is backing them, and many more young women need our support, so let's keep that going. I'm thrilled with the team; they're a really skilled group of athletes with a lot of promise, and it's only a matter of time before they perform at their peak. So, I wish them all the very best and success in the competition.”

Namakula said her team is a group of young, talented players who she expects to perform to their full potential.

“I expect them to represent the team with good sportsmanship, honesty, and perseverance,” Namakula said.

“Our training camp began yesterday. We are focusing on patience, course management, and building mental resilience for the competition.

“The All-Africa tournament is challenging and emphasises teamwork over individual play. Every point matters because they are playing for each other and for our country. This requires patience and strong unity, which I am pleased to say we have. I believe they will make us proud. Our main goal is to bring honour to our country.”

Komugisha, the team captain, said they were ready to do their best for the country.

“We are excited about this opportunity and ready to represent Uganda with pride, determination and teamwork. We promise to give our best and make Uganda proud.”

Charity Atuhaire will manage the team while UGC Lady Captain Gloria Mbaguta will travel as support staff.

This year’s team selection marks an important step in the continued development of the UGU High Performance Program.

The Union has deliberately strengthened the pathway between player development and national representation, with selection for major international competitions increasingly linked to participation and performance within the High-Performance Program.

The objective is to give talented golfers greater competitive exposure, structured preparation, and a clearer pathway towards representing Uganda at regional, continental, and international levels.