The Kilembe Mines Golf Club, in partnership with the Uganda Golf Union (UGU), has made a passionate appeal to the government to prioritize the protection and preservation of golf courses across the country. Stakeholders argue that these green spaces are not merely for sport, but are vital tourism assets capable of generating significant revenue for the national treasury.
The call was made during the Kilembe Mines Ladies Open 2026, a high-profile tournament that drew hundreds of golfers—both men and women—from every corner of Uganda to the picturesque course in Kasese.
Speaking at the event, Paul Charles Rukundo, Vice President of the Uganda Golf Union, revealed ambitious tourism plans involving a European design group aimed at developing world-class attractions within golf courses. He called upon the National Council for Sports to offer robust support to the Union to see these projects to fruition.
Rukundo emphasized the need for a “mindset change,” stressing that golf should no longer be viewed as an elitist sport. He said that they want to bring everyone on board—the young, the old, the poor, and the rich. Rukundo also highlighted the increasing involvement of women and youth as a sign that the sport’s popularity is surging nationwide.
Despite the sport’s growth, local infrastructure faces significant threats. Katuramu David Muhumuza, Captain of Kilembe Mines Golf Club, provided a historical background of the facility but lamented the ongoing challenge of land encroachment.
Muhumuza urged the government and relevant authorities to hand over the full management of the course to the club to ensure its long-term viability. He also highlighted the positive trend of youth involvement.
Cecilia Nakadamu, Secretary for Kilembe Mines Golf Club, discussed the importance of female participation, noting that the sport opens doors to networking and professional opportunities for women.
Sisi Otiti, Regional Accounts Manager for MTN, explained the telecommunications giant’s involvement, noting that sponsoring golf and other sports is part of their commitment to community engagement and national development.
Baluku William, Operations Manager at Mirima Safari Camp, testified to the direct economic impact of the tournament. He noted that such events significantly boost occupancy at local camps and hotels, providing a direct lift to the regional tourism sector.
Sole Kusemererwa, Secretary for Tooro Golf Club, echoed the sentiment that golfers are essentially tourists who spend money in the local economy, necessitating government intervention to protect these “tourism engines.”
On the course, the competition was fierce and showcased the rising talent in Ugandan golf. Melone Kemigisha emerged as the Overall Winner of the Kilembe Mines Ladies Open 2026, delivering a stellar performance that cemented her place at the top of the leaderboard.
Other winners, including Hajji Nsubuga Isa, shared their positive experiences on the unique Kilembe terrain, praising the course’s challenging layout and its potential to host international-standard events.
As the 2026 Open concluded, the message from Kasese was clear: with the right government backing and the protection of land against encroachment, Uganda’s golf courses could become the cornerstone of a thriving sports-tourism industry.
story by Maate Isahaq
