Victoria Cup rivalry reignites as Uganda faces Kenya

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Few sporting rivalries command as much attention as Uganda versus Kenya. Throughout history, encounters between these East African neighbours have been fiercely competitive, thrilling, and often decided by the narrowest of margins.

The upcoming Victoria Cup, set for March 20-21, 2025, at Mt Kipipiri Golf Resort in Naivasha, promises to be no different.

On Wednesday, National Council of Sports (NCS) acting general secretary, Sarah Chelengat, flagged off a ten-man Ugandan team for the seventh edition of the championship, which was first held in 2016.

The squad blends youth and experience, with Joseph Cwinyaai as captain and Elton Thembo as his deputy. Both were part of the team that shared the honours with Kenya last year, finishing 11-11 at Kitante.

Returning to the squad are John Musiimenta, Ibrahim Ssemakula, Reagan Akena, and Titus Okwong, while newcomers include Peter Mayende, Joseph Kakooza, Anthony Otukei, and Abdu Kakeeto.

The team will be guided by coach Flavia Namakula and team manager Paul Habyarimana.

Chelengat urged the players to maintain discipline and represent Uganda with dignity and respect. She also commended the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) for fostering continuity by encouraging junior participation in the sport.

“We have confidence in you, so you should also believe in yourselves and have that confidence that you can beat them. Uganda is a sports powerhouse, so we expect you to return with the victory,” Chelengat implored.

“Remain disciplined, listen to your leaders, be patient, and deliver. The government will continue to support you in all events. Let us just produce the results that are required of us.”

UGU president, Jackson Were, highlighted the event’s role in strengthening ties between the two nations through golf.

“I want to thank the NCS for the sponsorship, and through them, we thank the government for funding sports,” Were said.

“The team is composed of elite amateurs and juniors because we took a deliberate strategy to promote the sport through different clusters. We believe the team has the energy and talent to perform well.

“Your conduct and discipline should reflect the good morals you have acquired in Uganda and how you have been shaped as good citizens,” he added.

Were also encouraged the team to make new connections that could benefit their sporting careers.

Despite the team changes, Namakula is confident the new players will rise to the occasion, as they have been selected based on current form and are expected to carry that momentum into the event.

“We are also growing the sport and the players, so we have to bring out these juniors so that they gain experience in such high-end competitions, and I believe they are going to play well and bring back the trophy,” Namakula said.

Kenya dominated the first three editions of the Victoria Cup before Uganda claimed their only championship on home soil in 2019. This gives Kenya a 5-1 lead in the series.

Last year, Uganda came close to winning their second title at Uganda Golf Club, but the contest ended in an 11-11 draw. The stalemate meant Kenya retained the championship on countback, securing their fifth trophy and third consecutive victory in the annual match-play event, which mirrors the Ryder Cup between the USA and Europe.