Museveni to tee off Africa Zone VI
FROM R: Kiwanuka, Sheraton GM Ian Duncan and UGU vice president Johnson Omolo and UTB’s John Waigo at the press conference yesterday. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Golf. Uganda will host the 20th edition at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club Kitante course on April 15. South Africa have won the tournament a record 19 times
KAMPALA.
President Museveni will tee off the prestigious Africa Zone VI Golf Championships at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Kitante course on April 15.
Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the president of Uganda Golf Union (UGU), revealed the development at the official launch of the continent’s biggest four-day annual amateur golfing showpiece that will bring together 10 nations.
And Kiwanuka is hopeful the President’s presence will be enough motivation to push his team to break their jinx at the event in its 20th edition.
“A handshake and word from President Museveni could be all the guys need to put in their best performance ever,” said the man commonly referred to as KK.
“The team is in residential camp and working very hard. There are no big stars in the set up and this could work out well because everyone will be anxious to make a name for themselves. The technical team is leaving no stone unturned.”
Speaking from the team camp in Lugogo, captain Adolf Muhumuza sounded philosophical about the team’s chances. “When a visitor comes to your home, you have to show them who the boss is,” mused the soft-spoken 23-year-old from Fort Portal.
“Maybe we will miss Willy Kitata because he is good player and UGC is his home course. But he didn’t make the cut and I cannot cry about what I have no control over. But you also know that this current team is hungry to achieve. We are eager to silence the critics.”
The sponsors
Uganda’s best outing was in 2005 when the Deo Akope and Charles Yokwe-inspired team finished third whereas the Phillip Kasozi-captained side flirted with wooden spoon before finishing joint eighth out of 12 countries at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate in Cape Town, South Africa.
During the launch presser, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R & A) of St Andrews in Scotland donated (£28,000 (Shs123m) for preparations and logistics), Sheraton Hotel Kampala (Shs150 million in accommodation and meals), NTV Uganda (Shs40m for live broadcast and kitting of national team), Uganda Tourism Board (Shs20m), AAR (medical) and Uganda Breweries Limited were announced as the sponsors of the tournament.
South Africa have won the meet 19 times since 1995 with Kenya snatching their only title at Gaborone Golf Club in Botswana in 2010. The other countries that have confirmed participation are Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Team for Africa zone vi
Muhumuza (captain), Lawrence Muhenda, Ronald Bukenya, Gideon Kagyenzi, Henry Lujja, Ronald Otile, Robert Oluba & Martin Ochaya
Reserves: Ronald Rugumayo & Happy Robert
Coach: Amos Kamya
Manager: Oscar Semawere
