Golf: A huge addition to Budo sports diversity

Imagine golf in a Ugandan high school setup! Well, Kings College Budo is breaking new ground by venturing into the extremely exciting sport.

Gifted with a natural advantage in its unique location atop a hill and yes on a one square mile, it was never going to be a head scratcher to find space for golf at the school.

In 2014, an idea that had for some time been more in thought than practice materialised with the first phase of what in the end should be a standard 9-hole course taking shape.

"This was a huge step for us and it is here that we felt indeed it was meat to happen. It was launched together with the swimming pool" says Geoffrey Nsereko, games master at the school.

The idea was born out of the brilliant minds of some old Budonians with Dr. Kato Ssebaale at the fore of the project.

"Naturally as a top institution, we take the leading edge and such projects explain this. You don't wait for all conditions to be equal  and that is why despite the challenges we are taking the project head on" says Patrick Bakka male head teacher.

Conversely, the golf business is no doubt a thorn in a pocket and certainly they already feel the "burn" inspite of the school's relatively big cash flow. A sh100m budget was initially spelled out keeping in mind this is a huge project which would be taken on a step by step approach.

Situated in an extremely quiet environment, the course which is not yet a finished product paints a picture of what should be one of the most exciting facilities in Uganda.

The golf driving range has so far been completed and there is a number of challenging slopes that should make the game more interesting. A cool breeze and extremely green surrounding further creates a great atmosphere for the game.

In the confines of sports Budo has for long been known for cricket, rugby, hockey and recently swimming but now golf adds to what seems to be an ever-growing list.

"There is a strong belief in re-invention and that what drives us" Nsereko adds.

It is imperative to note that some old budonians have been well represented themselves in golf in Uganda. Among others Prominent lawyer and Express FC Chairperson Kiryowa Kiwanuka, David Ssepuuya, former chief editor at New Vision, Dr. Kato Ssebaale and the late Daniel Nkata
The school has plans of either naming the course after the late Nkata or at least hold a tournament in his name.

"He played a huge role in both class and sports and as a school we are forever indeted to his services and this is the little we can do"
Meanwhile, it is a good day for the student golfers majority are getting acquainted to the sport and interestingly success stories have already been captured.

The main highlight is presented in the fact that  Daniel Ssebaale a former student and son to Dr. Kato Ssebaale was offered a place at Oxford University courtesy of his golfing skills acquired while at the school.

On learning this Davis Nsubuga the current school skipper believes that such stories can only inspire them.

"The motivation is there especially for those that have decided to take up the game seriously. We are trying to interest more students, breaking the mis conception that golf is just for the "elite" class of individuals" he says.

In no time special talents have been identified with Gift Mulungi and Nicole Rubondo are major standouts. At just fifteen years, the two youngsters can only get better.

"The sport is calm and being that im not naturally athletic, I found it fitting in my personality. It is so interesting" Rubondo says.

She can perhaps walk in the footsteps of her elder sister and former student Tracey Rubondo  who has carried on with the sport even after  the school. Mulungi on the other hand is gifted with an extreme natural ability.

The senior three student has even bigger plansand certainly she cannot wait to get attached to one of the clubs in Uganda.

Now that the school has set quite a huge precedence it remains to be seen whether already established clubs will "practically" raise up to support them. That said, Budo's grand achievement is worth a nation's celebration.