The Uganda Golf Union (UGU) has bid farewell to its national team as they set off for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to compete in the fourth edition of the Africa Region IV Championship, hosted by the Ethiopia Golf Union in collaboration with the Africa Golf Confederation and the R&A, at the esteemed Addis Ababa Golf Club from 5th to 11th June.
Uganda, renowned for its strong golfing legacy, actively participates in the Africa Region IV Championship, along with Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, forming the key contenders from the region.
The Ugandan team is determined to reclaim the title, which they enjoyed back-to-back in 2018 and 2019, after being defeated by the Kenyan team on home soil in the previous edition held at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa.
Under the guidance of Flavia Namakula as head of delegation, the Ugandan team, led by captain Bagalana Ibrahim, is filled with a combination of skill and determination, featuring formidable players Nsubuga Dunstan Godfrey, Akena Joseph Reagan, and Abiti Juma.
Reagan and Abit were also part of the junior team that qualified for the upcoming Toyota World Cup Junior Championship in Japan later this month. Thus, this regional tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for their preparation on the international stage.
UGU President Moses Matsiko expressed his confidence in the team, stating, “The national team’s participation in the Region IV Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to the sport of golf. We have always participated in this tournament since its inception, and we have emerged victorious in the past. Our team is in a strong position to compete and bring home the coveted title once again.”
The Ugandan Golf Union has taken meticulous measures to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the championship.
The players have been in a rigorous training camp at Serena Kigo for the past week, honing their skills and perfecting their strategies.
Additionally, the team underwent a three-day Africa High-Performance Program at the Uganda Golf Club, which further fortified their competitive edge and readiness for the tournament.
The team departs today, amidst an air of anticipation and the championship is scheduled to commence tomorrow, with teams from the region vying for supremacy on the golfing greens.
Last year’s narrow defeat to Kenya on their home turf has only fueled Uganda’s determination to reclaim the championship this time around.
At the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante, during their flag off, Ibrahim Bagalana, the team Captain, expressed that the team bears the aspirations of their nation and is fully prepared to demonstrate their skills, sportsmanship, and unwavering determination at the Africa Region IV Championship in Addis Ababa.
