NCBA Junior Golf Series tees up Uganda’s next generation of stars

Uganda’s junior golf scene continues to gather momentum, with a new wave of talent emerging as the NCBA Junior Golf Series wrapped up its sixth season at the Uganda Golf Club over the weekend.

The grand finale on June 7 brought together some of the country’s most promising young golfers, capping a highly competitive season that underscored both the growth of the sport and the expanding opportunities for Ugandan juniors on the global stage.

What began in 2024 as a development initiative has steadily evolved into one of the country’s most important talent pipelines. The NCBA Junior Golf Series now provides structured competition, mentorship and international exposure to golfers aged between six and 18, equipping them with the skills needed to compete at higher levels.

Operating under the broader U.S. Kids Golf Uganda Local Tour, the programme has expanded rapidly, now supporting more than 200 junior golfers nationwide—an indication of the sport’s rising appeal among young Ugandans.

This season, NCBA Bank Uganda deepened its commitment to inclusivity by sponsoring 10 underprivileged golfers, offering access to training, equipment and competitive play. The move directly addresses one of the biggest barriers to entry in the sport—limited financial resources.

So far, 31 juniors have benefited from the sponsorship programme, with seven already progressing to Uganda’s national team, highlighting a clear pathway from grassroots development to elite competition.

Several of these young golfers are already making their mark beyond Uganda’s borders, representing the country in tournaments across South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

Among the standout performers, Peter Mayende featured at the UAE Golf Championship, while Daniel Kawalya competed at the All Africa Junior Championships—further evidence of Uganda’s growing presence on the international junior golf circuit.

At the Victoria Cup 2026, Uganda finished second behind Kenya, but Mayende’s team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the country’s emerging talent.

Beyond individual success, NCBA has also extended its support to grassroots competitions such as the Uganda Inter-Schools Golf Championship, reinforcing efforts to grow the game from the ground up.

Speaking after the finale, Edgar B. Tusiime, Head of Marketing, Communications and Citizenship at NCBA Bank Uganda, said the series is shaping more than just athletes.

“The NCBA Junior Golf Series continues to demonstrate the transformative role of sport in building discipline, resilience and opportunity among young people. We are encouraged by the quality of talent emerging and the confidence with which these juniors are competing at higher levels,” he said.

“Our focus remains on creating sustainable pathways that allow young Ugandans to realise their full potential, both on and off the course.”

Despite the progress, stakeholders acknowledge that access to golf remains limited for many talented youngsters, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They say sustained investment from the private sector, schools and development partners will be critical to widening participation.

Les Brown, Coach and Director of the U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Uganda, credited the partnership for bringing structure and consistency to junior golf.

“We are seeing more young players not only take up the sport but stay engaged and competitive. With continued investment, Uganda has the potential to become a dominant force in junior golf across the region,” he said.

Through its partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, the series offers a direct pathway to global competition, with top performers earning opportunities to qualify for prestigious events such as the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, the Rome Classic and the Big 5 Junior Golf Championship.

As the curtain falls on Season Six, the NCBA Junior Golf Series leaves behind more than just winners—it has built a stronger talent pipeline, expanded Uganda’s international footprint and injected fresh optimism into the future of the sport.

With more young golfers stepping onto the global stage, Uganda’s ambitions of becoming a regional powerhouse in junior golf are no longer distant—they are firmly within reach.

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