Uganda’s national golf team is gearing up for an intense showdown against Kenya at the Victoria Cup, set to take place at Mt Kipipiri Golf Resort in Naivasha.
The team was officially flagged off today by National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant general secretary Sarah Chelangat, who expressed confidence in their ability to reclaim the trophy.
The annual contest between Uganda and Kenya has long been one of East Africa’s fiercest golf rivalries, with last year’s edition ending in a hard-fought draw at Uganda’s Kitante course, allowing Kenya to retain the title. Now, the Ugandan squad is determined to go a step further and secure victory on Kenyan soil.
The team, led by experienced captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, will face a strong Kenyan side captained by former Uganda Open champion John Lejirima. Cwinya-ai’s ten-man team includes Joseph Reagan Akena, Elton Thembo, Titus Okwong, John Musiimenta, Abdul Kakeeto, and Abdallah Kakoza. Junior golfers Peter Mayende, Anthony Otukei, and Ibrahim Ssemakula complete the squad.
Cwinya-ai, Akena, and Okwong are already in Kenya, competing in the Kenya Amateur Golf Series, while the rest of the team will travel on Wednesday. They will spend a week acclimatizing to the conditions at Kipipiri before the tournament tees off on March 20.
At the flag-off ceremony, Uganda Golf Union President Jackson Were praised the team’s talent and drive, urging them to perform at their best. “When I look in your eyes, I see talent, hunger, and a zeal to win,” Were remarked. “Go and perform to the best of your ability because I know that all of you young men have the ability to return with the trophy.”
Chelangat confirmed that the government had covered all team expenses and revealed that First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as Minister of Education and Sports, was keenly following Uganda’s rivalry with Kenya in golf.
Cwinya-ai assured that the team is ready for the challenge ahead. “Kenya are familiar opponents, but we know that we can match them punch-for-punch,” he stated.
The Ugandan contingent will be accompanied by national team coach Flavia Namakula and team manager Paul Habyarimana as they embark on their quest for Victoria Cup glory.
