Hunger for Victoria Cup pushes Uganda

The years have gone by so fast since the Uganda national team lifted the Victoria Cup Golf trophy.

Launched in 2016, the annual championship played between East Africa neighbours is akin to the Elgon Cup in rugby. Sometimes it’s been nicknamed the East Africa Ryder Cup, just like that biennial men’s golf competition between European and USA teams.

Uganda has not taken a clear victory of the Victoria Cup since 2019 when Innocent Kihika was the president of Uganda Golf Union (UGU).

Six years later, UGU leadership led by Dr. Jackson Were is seeking redemption when the Victoria Cup takes centre stage at new lavish Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort in Naivasha, Kenya next week.

“When I look in your eyes, I see talent, hunger and zeal to win,” said Were to the players during the team flag-off at Lugogo on Wednesday ahead of the March 20-22 event.

The ceremony was hosted by the National Council of Sports (NCS) who has bankrolled the trip to Kenya. The team which was flagged off by acting NCS assistant general secretary Sarah Chelangat, comprises elite senior amateurs and junior players.

Captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, reigning Uganda Amateur Open champion Reagan Akena and experienced Titus Okwong were already in Nairobi for the Muthaiga Open.

However, Chelangat handed the flag to acting assistant captain Elton Thembo in company of new and young faces. “We took a deliberate strategy as UGU to promote the sport through appreciating the different clusters,” stated Were.

“We didn’t do a qualifier but their game is in a hot streak at the moment. The goal is to go there and win,” said coach Flavia Namakula.

Last year, Uganda and Kenya tied on 11 points and shared the trophy at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante following rain disruptions to the tournament.

“Kenya has been winning but this time, it’s different. I know the players are ready physically and mentally. Last year, we squared with Kenya. On the team, we have six players who played last year: Cwinyaai, John Musimenta, Okwong, Akena, Ibrahim Ssemakula and Thembo,”

Seeing the new players; Kakeeto - these were our variable picks based on how we were performing. We believe they will carry this momentum to the team play. We are also growing the sport.”

Six of the 10 players are 21 and below with the youngest being 16-year-old Anthony Otukei, who was Akena’s caddie as he won the Uganda Open in Entebbe last year.

Besides Otukei, Abdul Kakeeto, Peter Mayende and Abdallah Kakooza also await tournament bows.

Uganda will battle for honours against Kenya led by captain John Lejirma, who is rated 150th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). Uganda’s highest ranked player is Akena in 298th place.

The Uganda group will first join Cwinya-ai and company for the Muthaiga Open which tees-off Friday.

2025 VICTORIA CUP (GOLF)

TEAM UGANDA

Players: Joseph Cwinya-ai (Captain), Joseph Reagan Akena, Elton Thembo, Titus Okwong, John Musiimenta, Abdul Kakeeto, Abdallah Kakooza, Peter Mayende, Anthony Otukei and Ibrahim Ssemakula

Officials: Flavia Namakula (Coach), Paul Habyarimana (Team Manager)

2024 VICTORIA CUP

MATCHPLAY MAIN EVENT

Round                      Uganda     Kenya

1. Foursomes                1.0          3.0

2. Four-Ball                   1.5            2.5

3. Four-Ball                    3.5            0.5

4. Singles                        5.0            5.0

Total Points                  11             11

VICTORIA CUP (GOLF)

ROLL OF HONOUR

2016: Kenya

2017: Kenya

2018: Kenya

2019: Uganda

2020: Covid-19

2021: Covid-19

2022: Kenya

2023: Not Held

2024: Uganda/Kenya