Young golfers shine at AFRIYEA's Junior Holiday Camp in Fort Portal

The AFRIYEA Golf Academy’s Junior Holiday Golf Camp is in full swing at Toro Club, with over 40 young golfers aged 4 to 18 hitting the fairways in this year’s edition of the academy’s signature holiday program.

Now in its second week, the camp is already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for the junior golfers in Fort Portal.

The program, which started on December 2, 2024, will continue through February 2025. This year, AFRIYEA Golf Academy has taken its kids' training package to new heights by splitting the camp into two focused segments: the December Non-Residential Junior Holiday Golf Camp and the upcoming New Year Junior Golf Camp, set to debut in January.

The children come from different parts of Uganda, including Green Circle Primary School, Ave Maria, Glory Glory Education Centre, Early Bird Primary School, Devine Mercy Secondary School, Tooro Parents’ Education Centre, Kings School (Kampala), Kisubu (Kampala), Kyebambe Model, St. Charles Lwanga Primary School, Kabarole Parents Primary School, Golden Star Primary School, and Mpanga Secondary School, among others. Kisubu, who are in their long school break, are in the camp, which provides young players the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of coaches and mentors while fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. From swing techniques to putting precision, every aspect of the game is covered in a structured yet fun environment.

“This is my first time playing golf, and I am already in love with the game. I’ve learned how to grip, putt, and drive, and my coach says my swing is getting better every day. I’m excited to show my friends what I can do,” said 6-year-old Jotham Deham.

“This junior golf holiday program is more than just golf. It’s teaching life skills like discipline, respect, and confidence. My children can’t stop talking about their newly acquired golf lessons and the social connections they’ve made with other kids from different families and schools who are also learning the game,” said Annet Namatovu, a parent of Jeremiah Caleb (10), Joshua Hastings (12), and Jotham Deham (6). “This program has made their holiday enjoyable and unique from other holidays. I therefore call upon other parents to bring their children.”

“Golf is a game of character, and we’re instilling that in every session. The kids are learning to be resilient, patient, and, most importantly, to have fun while they grow their skills,” noted Happy Robert, one of the coaches.

“This camp represents everything we stand for: accessibility, inclusion, and excellence in grassroots golf development. We’re seeing the next generation of Ugandan golfers emerge, and it’s a privilege to guide them,” stated Isaiah Mwesige, the CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

As the December session gains momentum, anticipation is already high for the January sessions of the New Year Junior Golf Camp. With fresh drills, competitive challenges, and even more opportunities for growth, the academy promises to keep the energy alive as 2025 begins.