The NCBA Junior Golf Series returned to the Uganda Golf Club with yet another display of skill, precision, and youthful passion, reaffirming its role as a vital platform for nurturing Uganda’s next generation of golfing stars.
The weekend tournament, part of a nationwide development tour, featured outstanding performances from both boys and girls across all categories — a testament to the steady rise of junior golf in the country.
The spotlight was firmly on the Boys 15–18 category, where Peter Mayende produced a standout round of 70 (two-under par), the only under-par score in the entire tournament. His performance combined precision, course management, and composure under pressure, setting a high standard for his peers. Elvis Mugunditi followed with a strong 77, displaying an impressive front nine that earned him a well-deserved runner-up finish.
Among the youngest participants, Elijah Agaba dominated the Boys 6 and under category with a remarkable 43 strokes, comfortably ahead of Collins Elijah Nuwagira who posted 60. Agaba’s confident play around the greens and sharp short game secured him 30 valuable series points and the admiration of coaches and parents alike.
In the Boys 10 division, Shemaiah Nathan Kibet demonstrated maturity beyond his years, recording 48 strokes to edge out Dominic Nkurunziza (54). Kibet’s steady touch and consistent recovery play earned special praise from Coach Les Brown, who noted his growing confidence under competitive pressure.
The Boys 13–14 category saw Banza Matsiko card an impressive 73, nearly matching par, to take the top spot. His precision off the tee and calm putting under pressure highlighted his growing potential. Alex Kasumba, who finished second with 83, showed flashes of brilliance despite an uneven back nine, proving the competitive depth in this age group.
The girls’ categories were equally compelling, reflecting the growing participation and quality in women’s junior golf. Aisha Nakato topped the Girls 8 and under division with 46 strokes, exhibiting excellent rhythm and focus. In the Girls 10–12 class, Elizabeth Mwagale, playing off a handicap of 3, reaffirmed her reputation as one of Uganda’s brightest prospects. Her composed round of 39 net underscored her technical finesse and consistency. Amani Kirabo, playing off 12, secured second with 46 after showing improvement from earlier events.
Meanwhile, Harsshitha Loganathan maintained her winning form in the Girls 13–14 division with 79 strokes, beating Jethra Ayeta Muando (107). In the senior girls’ category, Rachael Natukunda produced a composed round of 79, edging out Joanita Nanyombi (88) to win the Girls 15–18 title.
Tournament organizers NCBA Bank Uganda, in partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, commended the quality of play, emphasizing the steady progress in Uganda’s youth golf ecosystem.
“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 has evolved into one of East Africa’s most consistent youth development circuits, blending competition with mentorship, discipline, and exposure to international standards. Ugandan juniors have already represented the country in international tournaments, including the Big 5 Junior Championship in South Africa, the Rome Classic in Italy, and the Pearl Championships in the United States.
Standout performers such as Ariana Jenny Tumwesigye and Elizabeth Mwagale have lifted Uganda’s flag high abroad, demonstrating that the country’s young golfers can compete on the world stage.
As the 2025 season draws to its conclusion in the next two weeks, anticipation is building for the series finale — and for an even more expansive 2026 calendar, which will include the NCBA Invitational in Nairobi and additional international qualifiers.
From its January tee-offs to its November climax, the NCBA Junior Golf Series has become a defining stage for nurturing raw talent and shaping well-rounded young athletes.
“At NCBA, our vision goes beyond banking, to 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 concluded.