Uganda ladies seeking perfect start at ECAACT

Fiery Form. Lady Golfer Peace Kabasweka recently won the Tanzania Ladies Open in Moshi on September 28 and she will be a pillar as Team Uganda bids to win the East & Central All Africa Challenge Trophy on home soil in Entebbe this weekend. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

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Golf. Uganda’s best finish at the East Central All Africa Challenge Trophy is third in Harare, Zimbabwe four years ago but with a second chance to host the regional event, the country’s top lady golfers are keen on victory.

KAMPALA. Team Uganda will hope they can produce the best finish in front of their own faithful when the fifth East & Central All Africa Challenge Trophy tees-off at the Entebbe Club today.
Irene Nakalembe will lead a quartet that comprises Uganda Open champion Martha Babirye, Tanzania Ladies Open winner Peace Kabasweka and left-hander Gloria Mbaguta in the 54-hole stroke-play championship at the par-71 course.
“Our plan is to have a good start,” stated Nakalembe who has won the Entebbe Ladies Open a record five times. Like her, the rest of the team is hoping to make most of home advantage against neighbours Kenya and Tanzania.
“It is a great chance and the ladies too are very familiar (with the course),” offered Nakalembe who has been part of the team for the last half-a-decade. Babirye looks to have a good head on her shoulders after winning the Open in Kigo over a month ago while debutant Kabasweka is in her best form evidenced by the Tanzania Ladies Open victory at TPC Moshi Club.
“Both my long and short game have greatly improved,” stated Kabasweka.

Team chemistry
The positive vibe is playing a huge part in the team chemistry. “We are friends and always agree on many things,” added Nakalembe who was second in Moshi and Kigo.
So what could go wrong for the pumped-up hosts? Uganda hosted the first ECAACT in 2009 but Tanzania emerged victorious at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante before retaining it two years later at home in Lugano.
Now code 255 is fielding a pretty strong unit comprising Neema Olomi who won the 2018 Uganda Open at Entebbe, three-time Open winner Angel Eaton, Hawa Wanyeche and Iddi Madina.
This quartet was disappointed that they were left empty-handed in Kigo and Moshi. Kenya fielded only three players Agnes Nyakio, Mercy Nyachama and Margaret Njoki. Regardless, the best three scores per day count.
Two-time defending champions Zambia pulled out at the 11th hour and missed the flag raising ceremony graced by Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga last evening.