60 to challenge Nakalembe for Entebbe Ladies Open

Defending Champion Irene Nakalembe is among over sixty ladies who are geared up for the 7^th edition of the Castle Lite Entebbe Ladies Open that tees off at Entebbe Club on Friday.

The stroke play tournament has been launched today at the Brand House, Bugolobi where Castle Lite brand manager Julian Ssentamu unveiled a sh40m sponsorship towards the event.

"We are proud to be part of the event once again and we are going to make it bigger and better. We look forward to hosting all the ladies who are aspiring to be golfers and encourage many others to come and be part of the event," Ssentamu said.

Uganda Ladies Golf Union president Maximillia Byenkya said the ULGU had enjoyed great partnership with the sponsors and said the ladies were very grateful for their involvement in the development of the sport.

"We hope that all the ladies from across the country will have a great time while in Entebbe," Byenkya said.

Entebbe Club Lady Captain Jovia Tugume said Entebbe Club was ready to host the tournament.

"We are very prepared and the greens and the course are in good shape thanks to the recent rain. We expect over 60 top female golfers for the tournament, '' Tugume said.

Nakalembe is the odds on favourite. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Nakalembe, who beat Eva Magala to the title last year by two strokes is chasing a hat-trick in the annual tournament that had been dominated by golfers from other clubs.

Before Nakalembe's two consecutive wins all previous winners came from outside Entebbe including UGC's Jasper Kamukama, Flavia Namakula, Monica Ntege and Iddi Madina from, Arusha.

Madina is back alongside Joseph Naome and Victoria Elias to challenge the local competition that include the likes of Gloria Mbaguta, Harriet Kitaka, Eva Magala , Katy Kabenge, Resty Nalutaaya, and Diana Nabukenya who are aiming to win it for the first time.

The two-day tournament is co-sponsored by Britam Insurance who were represented at the launch by company CEO Allan Mafabi and head of sales Edgar Muzahura.

We are excited to be involved in this tournament for the second year running and we pledge to sponsor many more events," Muzahura said.

Over 100 men will compete in the subsidiary event on Saturday.