Golf Was Toko’s Other Love

By Mark Namanya and William MuwongeBRIG. Gad Wilson Toko was better known to many for his Air Force and political career, but those close to him will also remember him for his love of the game of golf.Even politicians have a soft side, and to Toko, golf was it. He distinguished himself by being witty and with a high sense of humour — the characteristic that makes one a complete golfer.He also advocated for the maintenance of high golfing standards — ethical and otherwise. He often teased members at Kitante Golf Club about the high standards the club had when he, together with ‘Sir’ Richard Kaijuka and Ezra Bunyenyezi were at the helm of the club.It could be said that it was a mistake to have him elected president of the Uganda Golf Union, because that meant the local game’s best MC was lost to management, or worse, he had to take up both roles.The handicap 16 golfer was, on his return from exile elected golf union’s president in 1999 replacing George Egaddu.Before going to exile in the 80’s, Toko had been an active golfer and was handicap 12.Although never the most successful of golfers, Toko’s unique administrative qualities improved the standards of UGU.“He streamlined development programme to the youths who hold the key to the future; something which was a bright idea,” said Bunyenyezi, Toko’s close friend. He died serving the game on Sunday.Toko’s death is the latest in a series of disaster to the golfing fraternity.This year has claimed former national champion Juma Jaffar, Emmanuel Mwondha, George Semafumu and Juma Omony. The late Toko was going to play golf at the Jinja Open when he perished in a tragic motor accident. Toko’s political background as a politician and a defacto vice president in the late Gen. Okello Lutwa military junta brought him controversy. But the times he rose to speak as UGU chief at various events, Toko left audiences cracking in laughter.