Watoto Golf 2026 to feature caddies' competition

The 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament is set to attract not only Uganda's leading amateur and professional golfers but also debutants and caddies, as organisers intensify efforts to empower vulnerable mothers to improve their incomes and family livelihoods.

The fundraising initiative, spearheaded by Watoto Church Ministries, is targeting more than sh450m through the tournament scheduled for August 3-8 at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

This year's campaign aims to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers through the Watoto Neighborhood Program, which equips women with business and entrepreneurship skills to become financially independent.

Church leaders, sponsors, and partners gathered at Uganda Golf Club on Wednesday to officially launch the tournament and announce the opening of online registration for the event themed "Hope on the Green."

Pastors pose for a family photo with some of the sponsors

Organisers say this year's edition will be bigger than the previous two, with the introduction of a caddies' competition to recognize the often-unsung contributors to the game.

The caddies will open the week-long championship on August 3, competing over 18 holes in a stroke-play format for a sh2m prize fund. The winner will receive sh1m, while another sh1m will be donated back to the Watoto fundraising cause.

Elite amateur golfers will compete from August 5-7 in a 54-hole stroke-play championship with a sh10m prize kitty.

The professional championship will also run from August 5-8, featuring 72 holes of stroke play with a sh22m prize fund. A cut will be made after 36 holes, with only the top 12 professionals and ties progressing to the final two rounds.

The climax of the tournament will come on August 8, when corporate teams of four players will compete in an 18-hole Stableford full-handicap event, with the best three scores counting toward the team total. Individual golfers will also have an opportunity to compete in a separate 18-hole Stableford full-handicap competition.

"It is now 32 years since Watoto Church was established to care for vulnerable children and mothers. We are using golf to impact lives, and this year we are targeting to raise sh450m to help vulnerable women improve their businesses," said Pastor Edward Mwesigye.

He thanked Uganda Golf Club for partnering with Watoto, noting that golf promotes values of integrity, discipline, and excellence.

"Uganda Golf Club has also started introducing Watoto children to the game of golf. This year we have included caddies in the tournament to give them an opportunity, inspired by former caddie Ronald Rugumayo, who is now competing on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa," Mwesigye added.

Sandra Opio, who heads the Watoto Neighborhood Program, said the initiative has transformed thousands of lives over the years.

"Watoto has impacted more than 9,000 women through skills training and business management education, enabling them to grow from difficult circumstances into successful entrepreneurs," Opio said.

Several sponsors have already confirmed their support for the event, including CFAO Mobility, which has offered two luxury vehicles as hole-in-one prizes on holes No. 9 and No. 17. Other partners include Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Fairway Hotel, Bank of Uganda, and Capital One Group, with several more expected to join before the tournament tees off.