Uganda’s golfing heritage entered a bold new chapter last evening, as Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), together with other key partners, officially unveiled and commissioned the newly renovated Entebbe Club clubhouse.
The iconic clubhouse, first built in 1913, and the oldest in East Africa, underwent significant transformation while preserving its historic architecture. The renovation introduces modern luxury to one of the region’s oldest golf institutions, highlighted by the unveiling of an exclusive Johnnie Walker Lounge, designed to offer members and guests a more immersive and elevated club experience.
Speaking on behalf of Uganda Breweries Limited Managing Director, Félicité Nson, UBL Finance and Strategy Director- Josephine Njoroge, commended the Entebbe Club leadership and members for delivering a project that honours both heritage and progress. She also reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the club and UBL, a relationship that has spanned over a decade.
“On behalf of UBL and Johnnie Walker, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the leadership of Entebbe Club, the project team, and the entire membership for delivering such a magnificent milestone,” she said.
“Our relationship with Entebbe Club is one we hold with great pride. It is rooted in shared values, excellence, consistency, and a commitment to elevating golf in Uganda.
This longevity is not accidental; it reflects trust, ambition, and a shared belief- that together we can elevate both the game and the experiences around it. As you officially launch this beautiful new clubhouse, it feels only right that Johnnie Walker, the world’s most iconic celebration whisky, stands with you,” Njoroge said.
She added that UBL remains committed to walking this journey of progress with the club, supporting not only key milestones but also the future growth of golf in Uganda.
Guests at the event were taken on a journey through the club’s rich history, including an opportunity to view some of the original documents, such as the 1913 members’ register and the club’s certificate of registration. These historic artifacts will be permanently displayed on the Johnnie Walker “Wall of Progress” within the new lounge.
The guest of honour, the Attorney General of Uganda- Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, applauded UBL and MTN for their role in delivering the project, and for their enduring partnerships with Entebbe Club.
“I have served this club before, as secretary and later as chairman, and I can confidently say this is a remarkable transformation,” Kiwanuka remarked. “The facilities we see today are simply outstanding. If people start staying here longer, UBL and MTN should take it as a compliment,” he added jokingly, before officially declaring the Entebbe Club clubhouse open.
Entebbe Club Chairman Eng. Jacob Byamukama described the commissioning as a defining moment in the club’s history.
“This day will go down in history as the moment the current generation of members and partners gave this clubhouse a new lease of life,” Byamukama said. “We were deliberate about preserving the character of the building, while keen to give it a vibrant, modern touch. Very few places look and feel like this.”
He thanked the club’s members and sponsors, paying special tribute to UBL for its unwavering support towards the club since 2017.
The evening brought together former chairmen, presidents, club captains, and distinguished guests from across the golfing fraternity, to witness the historic clubhouse upgrade. The evening concluded with a dinner, as well as a soothing live performance by renowned saxophonist Bahati, bringing a fitting close to a night that celebrated heritage, partnership, and the future of golf in Uganda.
