Uganda's oldest golfer honoured with centennial tournament at Tooro Club
Mzee Kijana, as he is popularly known, has spent 53 of those years actively playing the game, and despite his age, he still enjoys the sport and has built a mini course at his residence where he practices daily.
Basaliza chips on Saturday. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
One of the oldest and still active golfers in the world, Emmanuel Apuuli Basaliza, was celebrated at Tooro Club on Saturday with a Centennial Golf Tournament as he prepares to mark his 100th birthday on December 24.
Mzee Kijana, as he is popularly known, has spent 53 of those years actively playing the game, and despite his age, he still enjoys the sport and has built a mini course at his residence where he practices daily.
His life, passion, and sacrifice are inseparably woven into the history of golf in this region and in Uganda at large, and have inspired generations of golfers not only at Tooro Club but across the country.
The different winners pose with Mzee Basaliza (seated-center) after the Centennial Golf Tournament in his honour at Tooro Club, December 20, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
On Saturday, he amazed many with his chipping and putting skills when he ceremoniously chipped and putted on the 18th hole of the Tooro Golf Club course.
To honour his legacy, his family has commissioned a statue near the first hole of the Tooro course, inscribed with the words 'the mark of a great player is the ability to inspire,' where his golf journey began humbly and almost by accident.
As a young boy, he would watch the whites play the game with curiosity and admiration. His earliest encounters with golf were not with clubs of his own, but through collecting lost balls, which he later used to practice while grazing goats. From these modest beginnings, a lifelong passion was born.
Emmanuel Basaliza (left) presents a trophy to Shasha Mwine who was the overall winner of the Basaliza Centennial Golf Tourmament at Tooro Golf Club, December 20, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“I’m very excited for this, and I only have to thank God who has made me live for 100 years when I’m alive,” Basaliza said after he was presented with a golden trophy by one of the trustees of Tooro Club, Edward Rugumayo.
Shasa Mwine grabbed the overall prize after the one-day event, after he carded 72nett, beating Stephen Basaliza, the celebrant’s son, to the top award by ten strokes among the seniors aged 65 years and above. Hood Nsubuga (74nett) and Gad Musasizi (75) were the best among those aged 55-64, while Aphra Mwesige (75) and Jackline Mugambwa (93) were the best senior ladies, after the event that attracted 57 players.
In a message read to him by Stephen Basaliza, Uganda Seniors Golf Society chairman, David Baraka congratulated the celebrant on the milestone. “Celebrating 100 years of meaningful living is no mean achievement. Mzee Basaliza has been a mentor and continues to be a shining star for many young golfers in Tooro and Uganda.”
Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza gives a speech after the Centennial Golf Tournament in his honour at Tooro Club, December 20, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“By continuing to actively engage in playing the game, he has not only inspired the young golfers but also challenged the seniors to continue playing even in old age,” Baraka stated.
“Every time we see Mzee Basaliza on the course, we feel challenged and energised to continue playing. The game has enabled so many golfers to socialise on and off the course, improving their social and mental well-being.”