Event: Safari Tour – Limuru Leg
Dates: 14^th to 17^th January 2024
Venue: Limuru Country Club, Limuru

Ten Uganda Professional golfers are expected to take part in the Limuru Country Club leg of the Safari Tour.

The four-round championship runs from 14^th January to 17th January 2024.

Abraham Ainamani, Marvin Kibirige, Ronald Rugumayo, Phillip Kasozi, Tadeo Rodel Gaita, Vincent Byamukama, David Kamulindwa, Hussein Bagalana, Ronald Otile and the only lady Irene Nakalembe are the Ugandans in the draw.

There will be two tee points; on the 1^st and 10^th tees during the opening round.

Ainamani will drive off in the opening pool on the first tee alongside the Kenyan duo of Gabriel Chibale and Nelson Simwa at 7:30 AM. At the same time, on the 10^th tee, Kibirige will play alongside David Wakhu and Shem Orwenyo.

Rugumayo, Erick Ooko and Andrew Chelogoi will swing into action at 7:40am off the 1^st tee and from the 10^th Tee, Kasozi, Alfred Nandwa and an amateur Tanish Gudhka will commence at 7:40am.

Two Ugandans Gaita and Kamulindwa will play with Kenyan John Karichu at 7:50am, off the first tee and at 8:10am, Nakalembe will play with Simon Njogu and Kibugu Muthai, off the 10^th tee.

Byamukama drives off with Abraham Galgalo and legendary professional Dismas Indiza at 8:30 am from the 10^th tee.

Amateur Malik Taimur, Hussein Bagalana and John Kagiri will tee off from the 1st tee box at 8:40 am and they will be followed by James Karanja, Ronald Otile and Samuel Njoroge at 8:50 AM (first tee).

The total field has 67 players in action with the cut determined after the 36 holes in the opening two rounds.

After the Limuru leg, the golfers will switch their focus to events at Muthaiga (January 27^th to 31^st 2024) and the last one at Karen (February 3^rd to 7^th 2024).

Butembe 0-1 Busiki

The 2023 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup concluded on Saturday, 30th December with Busiki County claiming their first-ever title.

Ismail Ndifuna netted the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute of the game to help Busiki collect their first silverware.

The victors started the game played at a packed-to-capacity Kakindu Stadium in the heart of Jinja city the better side and assumed early control of the game.

Little surprise that the first clear-cut chance came their way as Alimansi Bidondole’s long-range effort rattled off the crossbar in the ninth minute to send early signs.

Butembe responded to the early pressure from their opponents and nearly took the lead with forward Tonny Tulituka landing their first chance of the game but narrowly missed target from about 20 yards out.

Tilituka wasted two more chances before halftime while at the other end, Owen Isabirye and Ndifuna wasted a couple of chances as the scoreboard read nil-nil at the break.

While Busiki remained in control of possession after halftime, the first chance of the second half went to Butembe but a wasteful Tilituka tapped George Mutuuba’s glorious cross over the bar.

The Match’s defining moment arrived with under 20 minutes to play after Ndifuna curled home past goalkeeper Peter Kadama after a solo run to spark wild celebrations from Busiki fans.

Busiki stood firm for the remaining minutes to win the cup that came along with a cash reward of Ugx 12,000,000. Butembe got silver medals and Ugx 8,000,000 whilst Kigulu who finished third after beating Bugabula 3-1 early took home Ugx 6,000,000.

Team Line Ups

Busiki XI: Andrew Aboket (G.K), John Mugalula, Ivan Bashir Tewa, Tibibita Arrajabu, Paul Pompey Bweni, Owen Gasta Isabirye, Alimansi Bidondole, Michael Kimuli, Silas Kalireku, Ismail Ndifuna, Fahad Mukase

Subs: Aramathan Mubiru (G.K), Musa Rahim Kigenyi, Allan Kirunda, David Isiko, Ibrahim Isabirye, Abdullah Kawanguzi

Butembe XI: Peter Kadama (G.K), Mikel Abasa, Maurice Isabirye, Issa Balaba (Captain), Fahad Ochan, Sowedi Lwenda, Jamada Ikoba, Richard Okello, Tonny Tulituka, Simon Mulindha, Amos Kathaya

Subs: Julius Emetu (G.K), Cyness Wejuli, Rodney Matovu, George Mutuuba, Tonny Kasibe, Kenneth Bwamiki

The curtains come down on the 2023 Busoga Masaza Cup today (Saturday, 30th December) as Busiki takes on Butembe in the final at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja.

Winners of the tournament in 2017, Butembe will be targeting their second title while their opponents will be looking to get their name on the cup for the first.

Afan Ikoba, the head coach of Butembe, says his troops prepared well for the clash and are ready for the battle.

“We prepared well. The training sessions have been great and all the players are mentally and physically ready for the battle at hand,” Ikoba who doubles as the Jinja North United coach said.

The final promises high stakes with prize money of 12 million shillings for the winner and 8 million for the runners-up.

Before the final, Bugabula will take on Kigulu in the third-place playoff.

The chief guest of the finale will be the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom His Majesty William Nadiope IV.

Previous Winners

Bukoli Bugiri won the inaugural edition in 2016 and Butembe won the subsequent tournament before Kigulu won back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.

The tournament was not played in the two COVID years before returning last year when Bukooli Namayingo were victors.

Cast of Winners

2016: Bukooli Bugiri
2017: Butembe
2018: Kigulu
2019: Kigulu
2020: N/A (COVID-19)
2021: N/A (COVID-19)
2022: Bukooli Namayingo

Legendary forward Robert Ssentongo has returned to URA Football Club but in a coaching capacity.

The three-time Uganda Premier League leading scorer joins as a support staff for David Obua and he will be in charge of coaching strikers at the club

Ssentongo was the league-leading scorer with URA FC in the 2011-12 season (13 goals), 2014-15 (15 goals) and 2015-16 (18 goals).

During his playing days at the club, he won one UPL title and two Uganda Cups.

This will be a new journey for the club legend and with his striking experience, our forwards will without a doubt benefit a lot from him.

URA has scored 15 goals in the 12 matches played thus far.

FUFA Women Super defending champions Kampala Queens have reportedly appointed Charles Ayeikoh Lukula as their new head coach.

According to several media reports, the tactician has already agreed on terms with the Queens of Socce to replace Charles Ssenyannge who was relieved of his duties on Saturday.

CHANGE OF THE TECHNICAL STAFF. #QueensOfSoccer: pic.twitter.com/27ORW0qOFv
— KAMPALA QUEENS WFC (@FcKampala) December 23, 2023

Meanwhile, Tonny Mawejje (Assistant Coach), Mutebi Ronald (Team doctor) and Cissy Nakiguba (Camp Administrator) maintained their positions at the club.

Ayeikoh will also work with Mubarak Kiberu as the new goalkeeping coach.

Ayeikoh has massive experience in women’s football coaching having guided She Corporate to finish second in the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers and later, he also helped Simba Queens to reach the semifinals of CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco.

Ayeikoh is the assistant of the Uganda Women’s Football National team Crested Cranes

This season, Kampala Queens have played four games, winning three and drawing once and sits on the top of the table with 10 points.

City Oilers on Friday appointed Andrew Tendo as the new head coach for the side, replacing, Mandy Juruni who will be joining Rwandan side Kepler.

Tendo who had been the assistant to Juruni since hanging up his sneakers was announced at a short function held at Doğtaş in Kampala.

“Tendo is our head coach. Continuity was important for us and so, the decision was very easy,” Club president Santur Mohammed said of the appointment.

“We will give Tendo all the support he needs for us tobe successful, we want him to be his own man. We dont compromise when it comes to success so we obviously expect it to continue,” Santur added.

The first-year head coach will be assisted by Ben Komakech who will serve as a coach-player next season that starts late January.

“I’m shocked!” Komakech said when asked tocomment on the appointment.

The two will take charge starting with the upcoming NBL season that starts late January 2024

Match Summary: Uganda vs Kenya

Uganda 186/8
Kenya 95 all out
Uganda won by 91 runs

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes have defended the ACA T20 Africa Cup after defeating Kenya by 91 runs on Tuesday.

In the final played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa, Kenya won the toss and asked Cricket Cranes to bat first.

Uganda started aggressively with Simon Ssesazi and Roger Mukasa going for 18 in the opening over to show intent. Ssesazi went for four boundaries before he was caught out.

Mukasa and Riazat Ali Shah las long but the innings were kept together by Robinson Obuya who blasted 57off 38 balls.

With significant contributions coming from Dinesh Nakrani (29), Kenneth Waiswa (17), Alpesh Ramjan (19) and Bilal Hassun (18), Cricket Cranes set a commanding 186 for loss of eightwickets.

In the chase of the total, Kenya failed to get going with the required rate going up with every over.

Henry Ssenyondo 4/20 was the pick of the bowlers with Nakrani 2/18, Hassun 2/21 and Kenneth Waiswa 1/13 cleaning up the rest of the wickets.

Uganda ran out as winners by 91 runs in a one-sided final to fretain the cup.

MTN Uganda proudly concluded a year of golfing excellence with the successful staging of the MTN Grand Tee of Tees at East Africa’s oldest golf facility, Entebbe Club.

The last event of the year brought together an array of partners, golf enthusiasts, and Friends of Golf (FRoGs) to celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and the joy derived from spending quality time together.

Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, expressed her delight at the 19th hole and extended her deepest appreciation to key friends and partners.

“What a splendid evening it has been! I trust that each of you has enjoyed the Grand Tee of Tees as much as we have in bringing it to you. Tonight is not just about golf; it’s about celebrating the spirit of camaraderie and the joy that comes from spending quality time with friends and partners,” Mulinge said.

“Allow me to acknowledge and extend our deepest appreciation to some of our friends – Huawei, Absa, ATC, and Total – who have specially come through for us to make this MTN Grand Tee of Tees a memorable experience. Big thanks to our partners in the MTN Monthly Tees – CFAO, Afrisave, and Castle Lite. Your partnership and support throughout 2023 have allowed us to build a strong platform to advance this sport here at Entebbe and inspired others to take keener interest in the Entebbe Club model,” she added.

The unveiling of the foundation stone plaque by MTN Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge

In April 2023, MTN Uganda and Entebbe Club announced a partnership that would see the Telecommunication giants finance some infrastructure development at the facility including the renovation of the club house and construction of the halfway house.

“Together, we’re unstoppable,” stated Mulinge. “Tonight is not only the culmination of a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of what we’ve achieved together this year. In April 2023, MTN Uganda partnered with the Entebbe Club, pledging an investment of close to Ugx 1 billion, consisting of operational and infrastructural support, over three years. This investment includes the much-anticipated laying of the foundation stone for the MTN Halfway House, symbolizing our commitment to the growth of golf in Uganda. This significant milestone was achieved earlier today.”

On the course, Bridget Basiima returned the best scores on the day (64 nett) to claim the Grand Tee of Tees. For her consistency throughout the year, Basiima also topped the Ladies Order of Merit with Moureen Okura taking the runner-up spot.

In the men’s category, Michael Monne topped the Order of Merit with Luwum Odoch taking second spot.

MTN Grand Tee of Tees | Results

OVERALL WINNER: Bridget Basiima h/c 14 – 64 nett c/b

WINNER GROUP A MEN: Richard Oloka h/c 8 – 67
RUNNER UP: Allan Muhereza h/c 5 – 74

WINNER GROUP B MEN: Enock Nuwagaba h/c 12 – 71
RUNNER UP: Daniel Opwonya h/c 16 – 71

WINNER GROUP C MEN: Saidi Kirarira h/c 20 64
RUNNER UP: Geoffrey Odur h/c 19 – 66

WINNER GROUP D MEN: Richard Mugisha h/c 30 – 76
RUNNER UP: Ronald Gayiya h/c 36 – 79

WINNER GROUP A LADIES: Maureen Okura h/c 17 – 73
RUNNER UP: Anne Abeja h/c 14 – 78

WINNER GROUP B: Diana Nabukenya h/c 19 – 69
RUNNER UP: Nice Janda h/c 36 – 70

WINNER SENIORS: Sean Kinsella h/c 14 – 72

WINNER GUESTS: Bruce Aijuka h/c 14 – 64 c/b

LONGEST DRIVE MEN: Twinemanzi Tumubwenee

LONGEST DRIVE LADIES: Peace Kabasweka

NEAREST TO THE PIN MEN: Daniel Opwonya

NEAREST TO THE PIN LADIES: Peace Kabasweka

Semifinal Results

Butembe 1(4)-1(1) Kigulu
Busiki 0(4)-0(3) Bugabula

The semifinal stage of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup was concluded over the weekend with Busiki and Butembe securing hard-fought victories, propelling them into the final.

The stage is now set for a thrilling cup clash on December 30 at Kakindu Stadium, promising football enthusiasts in the Kingdom an enthralling culmination to this prestigious tournament.

How Butembe and Busiki reached the finals

The clash between Butembe and two-time winner Kigulu unfolded dramatically at Bugembe Stadium. Despite a soggy playing surface due to earlier rains and a late 4:45 pm kick-off, Butembe emerged as 4-1 victors after a penalty shootout.

Mikel Abasa set the tone for Butembe, splendidly scoring directly from a corner in the 25th minute but Kigulu responded when Butembe’s goalkeeper, Peter Kadama, made a mess of Amos Tatambula’s cross ten minutes into the second half.

Kadama made amends later on as he ensured the game would be settled in a shootout and stood tall between the posts with only Sula Kisubi finding the net. Butembe’s Maurice Isabirye, Simon Mutinda, and Tonny Tulituka secured the victory, propelling Butembe into the finals.

Butembe’s coach, Afan Ikoba, reflected on their strategy. “We knew we were against a very worthy finalist with very good players, and we had to settle for an early goal strategy that was vital.”

Butembe FC’s Simon Mutida (left) and Sowedi Lwenda (middle) fighting for the ball with Kigulu FC’s Ibra Kasakya (right) while in a water-logged field as they were playing a semifinal game during the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup tournament 2023 at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe in Jinja City on December 15.

In another enthralling encounter, Busiki secured their place in the finals with a 4-3 shootout win over Bugabula following a goalless draw at Gaddafi Arena. Despite the absence of goals in regular time, the intensity was palpable as both teams battled for a spot in the championship match.

Final Showdown Beckons

With the semifinal dust settled, the stage is set for a thrilling final between Butembe and Busiki at Kakindu Stadium on December 30.

Both teams demonstrated resilience and skill in their respective shootout victories, leaving fans eager to witness who will emerge as the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup winner.

The final promises high stakes, with a trophy and prize money of Ugx12m for the winner and Ugx8m for the runners-up.

Bridget Basiima claimed the MTN Grand Tee of Tees on Saturday, December 16 at Entebbe Golf Club.

Basiima returned a nett score of 64 to be crowned the overall winner of the last MTN Monthly Tee of the year.

With that victory, the medical student at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences sealed the Ladies’ Overall Order of Merit title.

Bridget Basiima (L) receives a trophy from CFAO Motor’s Sarah Kiberu

“I am so super excited about this victory as it is the second time am winning the Overall Ladies Order of Merit. I must thank God for this Beautiful win,” Basiima said.

Meanwhile, Michael Monne wrapped up the Men’s Order of Merit for his consistent rounds in the months leading to his crowning as MTN Uganda rolled down the curtain on the golf season at East Africa’s oldest golf club.

No hole-in-one

On the day, no golfer claimed the brand new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 staked on Hole 8 by CFAO Motors Uganda, the partners of the MTN Monthly Tee.

However, golfers who had hit aces on different occasions were awarded certificates in recognition of achieving the difficult feat of hitting a hole-in-one.

Club Halfway House

Before the 19th Hole experience, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Halfway house at Entebbe Club.

Mulinge promised that by mid-next year, the halfway house would be complete.