The Ugandan golf scene has received a significant boost, thanks to NCBA Bank Uganda’s substantial sponsorship of the US Kids Golf Tour. Valued at 100 million shillings, this partnership aims to nurture young golfing talent.
Theodor Van Rooyen, the tournament’s chief organizer, welcomed the partnership, citing NCBA’s invaluable support. “Through their support over the past year, it was an obvious choice to utilize their brand to help grow this junior game in Uganda. For this reason, we are moving forward with the kids’ tour, now named the NCBA Junior Golf Series,” Van Rooyen explained.
Van Rooyen reassured participants that the tournament’s structure and competitive format would remain unchanged, despite the name change. “Regarding entries, priority status, and format—everything will stay the same for us to remain competitive globally. We are not breaking away from the format, just the name,” he clarified.
Mark Muyobo, CEO of NCBA Uganda, expressed enthusiasm for including the junior tournament in the bank’s golf series. “Our expectation is that through the junior series, we will support young players in developing their skills to become professionals in Ugandan golf,” Muyobo stated.
This partnership marks a significant expansion of NCBA’s involvement, as the bank will now sponsor all six events in the season, rather than just one. Additionally, NCBA has committed to supporting 10 talented but disadvantaged golfers who lack resources to participate.
Dennis Kawalya, a parent of a junior golfer, praised NCBA’s sponsorship, highlighting its impact on the sport’s growth. “Just a few years ago, we only had three events a year, which was very difficult for the juniors. Having a well-defined sponsor for juniors is a positive step for the future of the sport.”
Kawalya noted that the US Kids Golf initiative has significantly increased youth participation in golf. “The US Kids Golf has grown the junior golf base. Right now, we have many juniors joining the sport. Most importantly, the tour has opened doors for Ugandan juniors to compete internationally.”
This sponsorship is a testament to NCBA’s commitment to developing Ugandan golf. By supporting young talent, the bank aims to elevate the sport’s profile and create opportunities for future generations.
The NCBA Junior Golf Series is part of the global US Kids Golf network, with 22 tournaments worldwide. Uganda’s junior golfers will now have more opportunities to compete locally and internationally, thanks to NCBA’s sponsorship.
As the NCBA Junior Golf Series tees off, expectations are high for the growth and development of junior golf in Uganda.
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