Soldiers have been part and parcel of the liberation struggles in Africa since time memorial and this year, the Uganda Golf Club will hit two birds with one stone as they celebrate 59 years of Kenya’s Independence and at the same time incorporate Servicemen into the sport.
The news comes amid fresh waves of excitement as the Kenyan community in Uganda prepares to toast to 59 years since breaking away from British tyrannical rule on 12th December in 1963.
The 2022 Kenya Day Golf Tournament is slated for Saturday, 10th December at Uganda Golf Club’s (UGC) par-72 course in Kitante, Kampala and is part of the build-up events for this year’s Jamhuri Day (Kenya Independence Day).
The incorporation of the military into the tournament was announced by Uganda Golf Club’s Captain Emmanuel Wamala during a press launch on Thursday.
“This year’s Kenya Day Golf Tournament is unique because there will be new categories introduced. We shall have pros play on Friday and the main event will be on Saturday. We shall have juniors, amateurs, ladies, men, seniors, military, and diplomats all playing in the main event,” Wamala said.
He also emphasized that a tree planting activity take place on Saturday and that Uganda Tree Initiative has procured trees for the exercise.
Present at the launch was Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Maj. Gen. George Owino who applauded the Uganda Golf Club for always hosting the annual event.
“The Kenya High Commission is a corporate member of the club and it’s only right that they are hosting us.
“I want to thank the sponsors for their support for this year’s event and even in the past. We hold this tournament so that we have a space for interaction with many people including Kenyans living in Uganda, native Uganda, and others.” Maj Gen Owino said.
“This will be the third activity we will be holding ahead of Kenya Independence Day. On 3rd December we had Diaspora Day and recently we had a CSR activity where we interacted with the less privileged. We gave away 26 wheelchairs that day,” he added.
Local golfer Philip Kasozi won the professionals event in last year’s edition after shooting an overall 7 under par 137 (67, 70) in two rounds played on the same day.
The Men’s overall winner was Salleh Kalema (43 c/b) and Grace Kabonero with 38 points won the ladies’ main event.
The tournament partners are; Kenya Airways, KCB Bank, Equity Bank, Kenya Ports Authority, MTN, Crown Beverages Limited (Pepsi and Aquafina), Kenya Ports Authority, and Britam.
