Castle Lite Entebbe Open seeks African recognition

Ssentamu (R) and Ssebugwawo show off the winner’s trophy at the Open launch yesterday. PHOTO BY E. CHICCO

What you need to know:

  • Castle Lite brand manager Julian Ssentamu disclosed a Shs70m package for the event that will professionals take to the course first before they are joined by the elite gross players (36 holes).

KAMPALA.

In the aftermath of Uganda’s sixth title at the just concluded 18th edition of the East African Challenge Trophy in Addis Ababa, Entebbe Golf Club (EGC) have put up their hand and made bold their intention to make Uganda an even bigger golfing powerhouse in Africa.

During the launch of the eighth edition of the Castle Lite Entebbe Open at The Brand House in Kampala yesterday, EGC treasurer Moses Ssebugwawo disclosed that the club has plans of making the ever-growing annual showpiece, the best tournament on the local circuit after the Uganda Open.

“We have plans to go big,” said Ssebugwawo, the man who is aptly nicknamed Golola because of his golfing passion.

“We started small. But we are growing with each passing year thanks to our committed sponsors Castle Lite. The professionals will play for Shs10m over two rounds (36 holes) this year. But we have already earmarked $10,000 (about Shs34m) for them next year. We want to continue being the nurturers of good golfers on the continent as proved by our national amateur team.”

Former EGC chairman Innocent Kihika added a positive voice to Ssebugwawo. “We are looking at the big picture,” said Kihika. “We want the professionals to be playing for Shs100m very soon. We intend to attract the West African Tour to Entebbe and invited the East African professionals, too. This could be as early as next year.”

Castle Lite brand manager Julian Ssentamu disclosed a Shs70m package for the event that will see the professionals take to the course first before they are joined by the elite gross players (36 holes) and subsidiary category (18 holes) on the par-71 challenging turf on Saturday.

“We want to be at the forefront of golf’s success in Uganda,” said Sentamu. “The Ladies Open was a success, the national team won and now we are looking forward to more success on the greens in Entebbe. I could be one of the players chasing glory. Our brand keeps players refreshed and if they keep enjoying it, then we will keep supporting the game.

Hopefully the course will be favourable for all.”