By Guest Writer
The NCBA Junior Golf Series delivered another weekend of thrilling performances at the Uganda Golf Club, showcasing a wealth of talent and setting new benchmarks for junior golf development in the country. The event, part of a nationwide tour, successfully blended high-level skill, precision, and youthful passion, proving the series is an essential pipeline for Uganda’s future golfing champions.
The highlight of the day came from the premier Boys 15–18 category, where Peter Mayende produced a sensational performance. Mayende fired a stellar 70 (two-under par), achieving the only under-par score of the entire tournament to secure a decisive victory. His round set the standard for the day, while Elvis Mugunditi claimed second with a solid 77 points, driven by a strong showing on his opening nine holes.
Mayende’s dominance was evident from the first tee, combining precision iron play with calm course management.
Elijah Agaba stole the show in the Boys 6 and under category with an impressive round of 43 strokes, comfortably securing top spot ahead of Collins Elijah Nuwagira with 60 strokes. Agaba’s sharp short game and confident play around the greens earned him 30 valuable series points, cementing his position as one of the most promising youngsters in Uganda’s junior circuit.
In the Boys 10 division, Shemaiah Nathan Kibet maintained composure throughout his round to post 48 strokes, clinching the title ahead of Dominic Nkurunziza, who followed closely with 54. Kibet’s consistency, especially in tricky greenside positions, was widely praised by Coach Les Brown.
In the Boys 13–14 category, Banza Matsiko turned in a near-par score of 73 to take the crown. His mix of accuracy off the tee and confident putting under pressure reflected remarkable maturity for his age. Alex Kasumba carded 83 to share second place after an uneven back nine but remained upbeat about his overall progress.
The girls’ divisions also produced exciting displays, underlining the growing depth of female participation in junior golf. In the Girls 8 and under, Aisha Nakato impressed with a superb 46 strokes, showing excellent control and rhythm.
In the Girls 10–12 category, Elizabeth Mwagale reaffirmed her status as one of Uganda’s brightest prospects. Leveraging her handicap of 3, she returned a net score of 39 to claim top honors. Her calm demeanor and smooth swing continue to set her apart on the local and regional scene. Amani Kirabo finished second with 46, playing off a handicap of 12, after showing improvement from earlier tournaments.
In the Girls 13–14 division, Harsshitha Loganathan, playing off handicap 12, maintained her winning form, carding 79 to secure victory ahead of Jethra Ayeta Muando who played off handicap 30 and scored 107. Meanwhile, Rachael Natukunda with handicap 12, produced a composed round of 79 to triumph in the Girls 15–18 category, edging Joanita Nanyombi with 88.
Tournament organizers NCBA Bank Uganda, in partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, praised the weekend’s performances as evidence of Uganda’s rising standard of junior golf.
“The level of competition keeps improving with every event. We are seeing more confidence, better technique, and stronger mental focus among the juniors, a clear sign that Uganda’s golf future is in capable hands,” said Mark Muyobo, Chief Executive Officer, NCBA Bank Uganda.
The NCBA Junior Golf Series, now a base of youth golf development in East Africa, has grown from a national competition into a global talent pipeline. It blends competitive golf with mentorship, discipline, and exposure to international standards, ensuring that young golfers gain the experience needed to thrive on larger stages.
This year, Uganda’s junior golfers have represented the country at several international tournaments, including the Big 5 Junior Championship in South Africa, the Rome Classic in Italy, and the Pearl Championships in the United States.
Among the standout performers abroad were Ariana Jenny Tumwesigye and Elizabeth Mwagale, whose stellar showings have helped raise Uganda’s profile on the world junior golf map. These international experiences, according to Muyobo, are critical in building the next generation of world-class players and giving young athletes the confidence to compete globally.
As the 2025 season nears its grand finale in the next two weeks, anticipation is high for the next chapter of the NCBA Junior Golf Series. With new tournaments lined up for 2026, including the NCBA Invitational in Nairobi and additional international qualifiers, Uganda’s juniors are set for even greater opportunities to showcase their talent beyond national borders.
From its first tee-offs in January to the climax in November, the series has become a defining platform for nurturing talent. It continues to inspire a new generation to trade screens for swings, learning timeless values of focus, patience, and sportsmanship along the way.
According to Muyobo, the bank’s commitment extends beyond sport to empowering ambition in every form.
“At NCBA, our vision goes beyond banking, to making everyday banking extraordinary, and making every young golfer’s dream possible. Because in every swing, every smile, and every sunrise round, the NCBA Junior Golf Series is shaping tomorrow’s champions,” Muyobo said. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
