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Foursomes draw for opening day during round one | 2026 Victoria Cup

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  • Event: 2026 Victoria Cup
  • Dates: 5th to 7th March
  • Venue: Entebbe Club, Uganda

The opening day of the 2026 Victoria Cup between Uganda (hosts) and Kenya will take center stage on Thursday, 5th March at Entebbe Cup.

The morning action will involve round one, starting with the foursomes and the four ball, better ball action during the afternoon.

Day 1 Draw (Morning session – Foursomes action)

During game one; Uganda’s duo of Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo against Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji, teeing off at 8:00 AM.

Former Uganda Open amateur champion Andrew Ssekibejja (2022) alongside with Godfrey Kambale take on 2020 Uganda Amateur Open captain John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien in game two at 8:10 AM.

Game three drives off at 8:20 AM with Joseph Reagan Akena (2024 Uganda Amateur Open champion) and Peter Mayende against Daniel Kiragu and the impressive deaf golfer Isaac Makokha.

8:30 AM has game four between Abdallah Kakooza and Amon Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni.

Uganda and Kenya Golf national teams with other officials on hole 10 at Entebbe club

The official flag-raising ceremony was conducted at Entebbe club on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, witnessed by the Uganda’s State Minister of Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang as chief guest.

Uganda Golf Union president Dr. Jackson Were, his Kenyan counterpart Chris Kinuthia and the Kenya High Commission commercial attache Doris Komen also graced the flag raising ceremony.

Other members of the Uganda Golf Union executive Paul Charles Rukundo, Paul NJ and others were present.

Uganda’s team captain John Musiimenta raised the host’s Black-Yellow-Red national flag.

Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua handled the visitor’s flag and the newly elected vice president of the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) Paul Charles Rukundo handled the East African flag.

Thereafter, the minister Hon. Ogwang executed a ceremonial tee-off on the 10th tee box, amid jubilations.

 “I welcome you to the Victoria Cup 2026 in Entebbe” the minister opened up.

State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang (left) is applauded after hitting the golf ball off the Tee with a driver

“The players and all people who appreciate this sport cannot wait for the tee-off. The Victoria Cup has produced the best golfers in both Uganda and Kenya. For the last two editions of the Magical Kenya Open, the best two East Africans (Ronald Rugumayo and Muthai Kibugu) are both from Uganda and Kenya.” The minister added.

This year round, the Uganda Golf Union is hosting the tournament with support from several partners including MTN MoMo Uganda, Prudential Uganda, Crown Beverages Limited — makers of Aquafina — the National Council of Sports, and The R&A, the world governing body for golf.

Uganda and Kenya Golf teams during the flag raising ceremony

Both Uganda and Kenya team delegations are accomodated at the lavish lake-side MIST Hotel in Kitinda, Katabi Town council in Wakiso District.

The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride.

Victoria Cup Trophy donated by Moses Tanui

Victoria Cup – Past Winners

  • 2016 – Kenya
  • 2017 – Kenya
  • 2018 – Kenya
  • 2019 – Uganda
  • 2020 – 2021 – Not held (COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2022 – Kenya
  • 2023 – Not held (technicalities)
  • 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retained the trophy)
  • 2025 – Uganda

Team Uganda:

Peter Mayende (17 years), Joseph Reagan Akena (20 years), John Musiimenta (21 years), Abdul Kakeeto (24 years), Abdallah Kakooza (28 years), Amon Bwambale (22 years), Andrew Ssekibejja (31 years), Elton Thembo (23 years), Godfrey Kambale (23 years), Joseph Kasozi (34 years)

Officials:

  • Head coach: Lt. Flavia Namakula
  • Team manager: Paul Habyarimana

 Team Kenya:

  • John Lejirma
  • Elvis Muigua (Captain)
  • Isaac Makokha
  • Daniel Kiragu
  • Ebill Omollo
  • Junaid Manji
  • Tsevi Soni
  • Yuvraj Rajput
  • Mwathi Gicheru
  • Kevin Anyien

Team Officials:

  • Head coach: Ali Khimji
  • Team Manager: Brian Akun
  • Head of Delegation: Chris Kinuthia

The post Foursomes draw for opening day during round one | 2026 Victoria Cup appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Pearl Of Africa Golf series 2026 return with increased prize money for professionals

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The second edition of the Pearl Of Africa (POA) Golf Series returns at the par-71 Entebbe Club on 1st – 4th April 2026 with the country’s elite amateurs and professionals presently fine-tuning their swings and putters in anticipation for the event.

For the professionals, there is more reason to intensify their practice after organizers enhanced their package.

This year’s kitty will be Shs27m, which represents a Shs10m increment from last year’s competition.

Grace Kasango swings off | Credit: Aminah Babirye

Grace Kasango, fresh from finishing second in this week’s Kilelesi Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kitante, is eagerly looking forward to the competition.

“I can’t wait,” the soft-spoken golfer noted. “I have been putting really well and if I can replicate what I have been doing lately, I will give myself chance. The POA Series are timely because we need each and every event to maintain our mindsets in the competitive frame of professional golfers,” Kasango added.

It promises to be a rich field of competition with Ronald Rugumayo, David Kamulindwa and Deo Akope among the top golfers expected on the draw.

The MTN-sponsored Rugumayo has been busy on the Big Easy Tour and will no doubt be one of the favourites.

Launched last year at UGC, the POA Series have designed to elevate the professional golf ecosystem in Uganda to international standards.

As the Series grow organically, the plan is to attract local and regional professionals to compete for a kitty that is expected to grow with every passing year.

While focus tends to be hogged by the professionals, the elite amateurs will also be in a competition of their own for a Shs5m prize package.

Last year’s events were won by John Musiimenta (UGC), Michael Tumusiime (Entebbe) and Joseph Kasozi (Lugazi).

The professional events went to Marvin Kibirige (UGC), Herman Mutebi (Entebbe) and Rugumayo (Lugazi).

Juliet Anena, the founder of the POA Series, is optimistic that the purpose for which the initiative was designed will be realized sooner rather than later.

One of the things we highlighted at the launch was our dream, with my partners, to establish a sustainable earning platform for pro golfers through consistent prize money, sponsorship opportunities and increased visibility. We shall not relent until we get there.

Juliet Anena, founder of Pearl of Africa Golf Series

POA Series have been supported by Exim Bank, Uganda Golf Union (UGU), Vivo Energy, Aquafina, Home Bliss, MTN Uganda and Case Medical Services.

It is anticipated that more partners will be unveiled in due course.

Organizers have also included a subsidiary category to allow golfers from all walks of life to compete on Saturday.

After Entebbe, the POA Series will go to Lugazi and finally end at Uganda Golf Club, Kampala.

The post Pearl Of Africa Golf series 2026 return with increased prize money for professionals appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Florence Bisera drains clutch putt to claim Lakewood title in playoff

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Under a blazing sun and suffocating pressure, Florence Bisera displayed nerves of steel when it mattered most, draining a clutch four-foot birdie putt to outlast Lois Kaye Go in a gripping three-way, four-hole playoff and capture the ICTSI Lakewood Championship crown in Cabanatuan City in unforgettable fashion.

It was a battle that refused to yield — momentum swung wildly, putts trembled on the edge, and every swing carried the weight of victory or heartbreak.

Earlier, Sarah Ababa ignited the drama in regulation with a fearless assault on the water-guarded 18th, going for the green in two and converting a stunning birdie for a 68. Go shot a 69, while Bisera, who had seemed in control for much of the day, faltered late with a 72. The trio finished deadlocked at 210, setting the stage for a sudden-death showdown.

The tension only escalated from there.

All three birdied the par-4 10th on the opening playoff hole, refusing to blink. But on their return, Ababa’s challenge unraveled with a costly bogey, leaving Bisera and Go locked in a duel defined by precision and poise. Matching pars again, they pressed on to a third trip down the same hole.

Pars followed. Still no separation. Still no surrender.

Back again on No. 10, with the sun beating down and nerves stretched to their limits, Bisera rose to the occasion. From 120 yards, she unleashed a near-flawless wedge — crisp, controlled, and fearless — watching the ball land softly and roll to within four feet of the cup.

2026-LPGT-Lakewood-Florence-Bisera Florence Bisera drains clutch putt to claim Lakewood title in playoff Golf lpgt News  - philippine sports news

(C) LPGT

Go, who had earlier kept her hopes alive with a clutch long birdie conversion, left her approach about 24 feet to the right of the pin. When her birdie attempt slid past the hole and she settled for par, the door finally opened.

All eyes shifted to Bisera.

Blocking out the heat, the pressure, and the magnitude of the moment, she stood over her putt with quiet resolve. One smooth stroke later, the ball dropped.

Game over.

Bisera thrust her fist into the air, lifted her gaze to the sky, eyes gleaming in the harsh afternoon light — a champion forged not just by skill, but by grit, composure, and unshakeable belief.

“Sobrang saya kasi naipanalo ko ang first tournament sa LPGT. It’s a big confidence boost as I focus on my upcoming campaign in China,” said Bisera, who entered the final round with a three-shot lead over Go but struggled with her putting, settling for a 72 in regulation.

“Sa playoff, gumanda ang putting ko. Ang dami kong iniisip sa regulation – what if hindi ko ito maipanalo?” added Bisera, who pocketed P146,400 for her sixth career victory, including a breakthrough in Thailand last year.

Go and Ababa received P88,200 each.

Bisera also credited the steady presence of her father, Reynaldo. “Sinasabi niya lagi na i-enjoy ko lang ang laro at gawin ang best ko.”

Tiffany Lee faltered late with bogeys on the final two holes, including a costly three-putt on the last, slipping to joint fourth at 216 alongside Harmie Constantino and Martina Miñoza, who carded 71 and 72, respectively. Chanelle Avaricio matched the tournament-best 68 to finish seventh at 218, while Daniella Uy placed eighth at 219 after a 73.

Meanwhile, the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit resumes on May 19-22 at Caliraya Springs Golf Club, as the tour makes way for the staging of the Junior PGT during the summer break.

The post Florence Bisera drains clutch putt to claim Lakewood title in playoff appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

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Italian GPS company Pin Vision pens strategic one year partnership AFRIYEA Golf Academy, expands access to golf technology in Uganda

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Uganda’s young golfers are set to benefit from a major technology boost following a new partnership between Italian GPS company Pin Vision and AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

The two organizations have signed a one-year agreement, with an option for extension, aimed at strengthening youth training and expanding access to modern golf technology across the country.

Through this collaboration, Pin Vision will introduce its advanced GPS golf platform to support players, coaches, and academy administrators.

A young female golfer chips the ball

The move is expected to enhance how the game is taught and understood, while equipping young athletes with tools that are widely used in today’s competitive golf environment.

Based in Turin, Italy, Pin Vision specializes in GPS-powered golf solutions that provide real-time course data, including accurate distances to the flag, digital yard books, and detailed course mapping through its mobile app and smartwatch integration.

The platform also supports golf clubs with course data management and improved communication with players, helping create a more connected and data-driven playing experience.

A young golfer with a sand wedge

Under the agreement, AFRIYEA Golf Academy will integrate the technology into its coaching programs, allowing junior golfers to better understand distance control, shot selection, and course strategy from an early stage.

Coaches will also benefit from enhanced analytical tools to track player development and improve training outcomes.

“We’re excited to partner with AFRIYEA Golf Academy and support their mission to grow the game of golf in Uganda. By bringing our GPS technology into youth development programs, we hope to empower aspiring golfers with the same data-driven tools used by players around the world,” said Luigi Goria, Co-Founder and COO of Pin Vision.

Founded in 2020 by Isaiah Mwesige, AFRIYEA Golf Academy has grown into one of Uganda’s leading youth golf development institutions, serving more than 1,000 registered students between the ages of 4 and 22.

The academy focuses on inclusion, discipline, academic balance, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to opening the sport to children from diverse and underserved backgrounds.

“This collaboration with Pin Vision marks an important milestone for golf development in Uganda. Access to this level of technology will help our players and coaches elevate their training standards and inspire more young people, especially from underserved communities, to embrace the sport,” said Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

Beyond this international partnership, AFRIYEA Golf Academy has also been working closely with the Best of Me Foundation to promote and uplift the game of golf within marginalized communities in Uganda.

Together, these initiatives continue to expand opportunities for young people to discover and thrive in the sport.

The post Italian GPS company Pin Vision pens strategic one year partnership AFRIYEA Golf Academy, expands access to golf technology in Uganda appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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