Ocheng set for grand farewell at Lady Captain’s Prize event

Grandeur affair. South African Airways’ Stella Kasibante (3rd L) hands over the winner’s trophy to Lady Captain Dr Ocheng during the media launch at Kitante yesterday. Marsh’s Alex Mukasa (3rd L), Insurance Institute’s Saul Sseremba (L), ladies section publicist Rosette Tugume (2nd L), incoming secretary Ruth Nansanje (L) and vice captain Abeja were all in attendance. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

  • Golf. Dr Mary Ocheng will pave way for her vice-captain Anne Abeja to take over the captaincy mantle after successfully serving two terms that have seen the UGC Ladies Section welcome 24 new female golfers.

KAMPALA.

Dr Mary Ocheng admits that it was a big challenge when she initially took over the reins from the ever-green Dr Katy Kabenge as the Lady Captain of Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in 2016.
But Ocheng adapted well and did more than surprise herself but also silence critics in the process by her flawless administration style that she exercises with a calm demeanor.
“It was not easy in the beginning,” said Ocheng at the launch of her farewell tournament – The Lady Captain’s Prize scheduled for this Saturday at the par-72 UGC Kitante course.
“But I kept calm. I was able to lead and with the help of the club management amicably. The major challenge, like in the past, has been wooing sponsors to support our events but I am privileged that all my tourneys have been heavily supported by multiple sponsors, the ladies and a very supportive committee.

Cocktail of sponsors
“We even have 24 new female golfers, a big Member of Parliament and many others from the corporate world. I am happy that I am leaving a vibrant ladies’ section. And we intend to have a fabulous day to wrap up my captaincy.”
Ocheng’s farewell competition that will be played under the medal format has South African Airways, Stanbic Bank and Marsh Uganda as the headline sponsors.
But there is also a bandwagon of co-sponsors including Insurance Institute of Uganda, NTV, CMC, Multiple Industries, Pinnacle Security, Britam Insurance, Espresso Cafe , Wina Classic, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Kyaninga Royal Cottages, Pepsi and Case Medicare.
Incoming captain Anne Abeja, who has been serving as vice captain, was her work cut out not only to keep the sponsors interested but also continue growing the game – something she says will be under her wraps.
“Certainly, we will sit down as a committee and come up with concrete plans,” said Abeja.
“But to give you just a snippet of what we are planning is we will target more youthful players especially those in the caddies section. We shall have a deliberate programme for them. And through our CSR, we shall try to take the game to the underprivileged who cannot afford to buy equipment as well. Through that scheme we shall be able to introduce the game to new people and also put up deliberate engagement plan to retain sponsors.”
Five Kenyan ladies are confirmed as part of the 200 golfers that will compete for trophies and prizes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING
Event: Lady Captain’s Prize
When: March 17, 2018
Where: Par-72 Kitante Course
Mode of play: Medal
Field: At-least 200 players
Defending champions
W: Annette Kiconco 72 nett c/b
M: James Ssekajugo 67 nett