The fairways of Namulonge Golf Club came alive over the weekend as competition, celebration, and environmental stewardship converged during the sixth edition of the Namulonge Ladies Open.
In a tournament that combined elite performance with a growing commitment to women’s sport development and sustainability, Peace Kabasweka produced a commanding final-round display to clinch victory, sealing her triumph with an eagle on the par-4 18th hole and a crucial birdie on the par-4 third hole.
Her late surge helped overturn earlier setbacks and edge out close rival Meron Komugisha in a tightly contested finish. A final round of three-over 73 proved decisive, allowing Kabasweka to separate herself from a competitive field after three days of intense play at the rapidly evolving golf facility.
A defining edition for Namulonge Golf Club
Lady Captain Sheila Aine described the 2026 edition as one of the most significant in the club’s history, not only because of the quality of competition but also due to its symbolic alignment with Namulonge’s long-term expansion ambitions.
She noted that this year’s tournament marked a turning point in the club’s transformation journey from a nine-hole course into a full 18-hole championship layout.
“We are proud of this year’s tournament because it introduced something new, tree planting, which has never happened here before,” Aine said. “It is part of the expansion journey of our course from nine holes to 18 holes. Members are now seeing physically that the course is growing.”
Strong field and competitive structure
The tournament attracted approximately 130 golfers competing across multiple categories, including silver, bronze, seniors, and invited male participants who traditionally join the weekend competition.
The silver category, reserved for top-performing golfers, was played over three days from Thursday to Saturday, featuring a demanding 54-hole format. Bronze competitors formed the middle tier, while senior players and invited men added depth and diversity to the field.
According to organisers, player pairings were adjusted after the opening round based on performance, ensuring progressively competitive matchups as the tournament advanced.
At stake for the top finishers was a trophy and a shared cash prize package of Shs1.8 million awarded to the leading four players.
Golf meets environmental action
Beyond the competitive dimension, the tournament placed strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability.
In partnership with IPT, golfers participated in a tree-planting initiative integrated into the competition schedule. Players returned from their rounds to plant seedlings around the course, an activity spearheaded with support from Equity Bank Uganda.
The initiative saw the planting of 300 trees, aligning with the club’s broader vision of expanding into an 18-hole facility while reinforcing environmental conservation efforts.
For organisers, the exercise symbolised more than ecological awareness—it represented the foundations of a long-term transformation of the golf course and its surrounding ecosystem.
Celebrations and recognition
The tournament concluded with a prize-giving ceremony followed by traditional “19th hole” celebrations, where winners, sponsors, and participants gathered to reflect on the event’s success and the growing stature of women’s golf at Namulonge.
Lady Captain Aine expressed appreciation for Equity Bank Uganda’s continued support for women’s golf development, highlighting the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing the sport.
“They have been supportive all the way. Supporting women’s golf is not something we take for granted. We are really grateful and ask them to continue partnering with us,” she said.
A tournament with lasting impact
As the sun set over Namulonge’s rolling greens, the sixth Ladies Open concluded with more than trophies and individual accolades. It left behind a legacy of growth—both in sporting excellence and environmental commitment.
With competitive women’s golf gaining momentum and sustainability now embedded in the event’s identity, the tournament has firmly positioned itself as a platform shaping a greener and more ambitious future for the sport in Uganda.
