Rita Apell Akot has been elected as the new President of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU), and she is determined to drive significant change in women’s golf across the country.
Akot, who was voted into office during the ULGU elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Uganda Golf Club, has set ambitious plans to transform the sport over the next two years with the support of key stakeholders.
A passionate golfer who took up the sport in 2017, Akot is focused on nurturing young talent and expanding opportunities for women in golf.
“I am driven by the desire to see real change in the growth of kids’ and women’s golf,” she affirmed. “By developing these areas, we not only create new opportunities but also strengthen men’s golf, ultimately making it a more well-rounded sport.”
Akot previously served as vice president of the ULGU under Anne Abeja and brings experience and a clear roadmap for her term in office. She emphasized the need for golf clubs across Uganda to take a proactive approach in attracting female golfers.
“We must be deliberate, not passive, in creating incentives and programs that bring more women into the game,” she noted.
She highlighted school programs as a key pathway to developing young golfers and fostering long-term participation.
Akot’s leadership team includes Helen Lunkuse as vice president, Pamella Tumusiime as honorary treasurer, and Gloria Mbaguta as honorary secretary. Outgoing president Doreen Mwesigye will continue as Immediate Past President (IPP), while Charity Atuhaire and Peace Kabasweka also serve on the committee.
A key part of Akot’s strategy is increasing the visibility and appeal of women’s golf across Uganda.
“We need to be marketable to attract support,” she stressed. “Stakeholders must connect with and buy into our cause. Our focus will be on raising awareness of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union through targeted talks, sponsorship engagement, and club activations, all aimed at building a strong foundation for long-term support.”
When asked about the challenges facing professional women’s golf, Akot acknowledged that Uganda’s female pros, including Evah Magala, Irene Nakalembe, and Flavia Namakula, face difficulties that are not unique to the country. “However, we must build a critical mass,” she insisted.
Beyond her role in golf administration, Akot serves as Chief Information Officer at Stanbic Bank. She is also married to Dr. Peter Apell, an avid golfer and former chairman of Entebbe Club.
