Overview:
Uganda’s team captain John Musiimenta majestically rose the host’s Black-Yellow-Red national flag. Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua handled the visitor’s flag and the newly elected vice president of the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) Paul Charles Rukundo handled the East African flag.
- Event: 2026 Victoria Cup
- Dates: 5th to 7th March
- Venue: Entebbe Club, Uganda
All is set for the tee-off for the 2026 Victoria Cup; the annual golf championship between Uganda and Kenya national teams.
The official flag-raising ceremony was conducted at Entebbe club on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, witnessed by the Uganda’s State Minister of Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang as chief guest.
Uganda Golf Union president Dr. Jackson Were, his Kenyan counterpart Chris Kinuthia and the Kenya High Commission commercial attache Doris Komen also graced the flag raising ceremony.
Other members of the Uganda Golf Union executive Paul Charles Rukundo, Paul NJ and others were present.
Uganda’s team captain John Musiimenta majestically rose the host’s Black-Yellow-Red national flag.
Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua handled the visitor’s flag and the newly elected vice president of the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) Paul Charles Rukundo handled the East African flag.
Thereafter, the minister Hon. Ogwang executed a ceremonial tee-off on the 10th tee box, amid jubilations.
“I welcome you to the Victoria Cup 2026 in Entebbe” the minister opened up.
“The players and all people who appreciate this sport cannot wait for the tee-off. The Victoria Cup has produced the best golfers in both Uganda and Kenya. For the last two editions of the Magical Kenya Open, the best two East Africans (Ronald Rugumayo and Muthai Kibugu) are both from Uganda and Kenya.” He added.
Innocent Kihika, the former president of Uganda Golf Union and a key figure in founding the Victoria Cup in 2016 dubbed the Victoria Cup as the equivalent of the prestigious Ryder Cup, inspired by the passion, intensity and exact format.
“The Victoria Cup trophy itself is special. It was donated by Moses Tanui who won it at the Rome Marathon. That single act of donating this trophy reminds us that true greatness is not about keeping glory – it is about contributing to something large than oneself” Kihika stated.
Morning show-down:
The tournament proper drives off officially on Thursday morning with the foursomes action.
During game one; Uganda’s duo of Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo against Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji, teeing off at 8:00 AM.
Former Uganda Open amateur champion Andrew Ssekibejja alongside with Godfrey Kambale take on John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien in game two at 8:10 AM.
Game three drives off at 8:20 AM with Reagan Akena and Peter Mayende against Daniel Kiragu and the deaf golfer Isaac Makokha.
8:30 AM has game four between Abdallah Kakooza and Amon Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni.
In the afternoon, there will be action for the four-ball better ball format.
Uganda’s team is coached by Lt. Flavia Namakula with Paul Habyarimana as team manager.
The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride.
This year round, the Uganda Golf Union is hosting the tournament with support from several partners including MTN MoMo Uganda, Prudential Uganda, Crown Beverages Limited — makers of Aquafina — the National Council of Sports, and The R&A, the world governing body for golf.
Both Uganda and Kenya team delegations are housed at the lavish lake-side MIST Hotel in Kitinda.
Victoria Cup – Past Winners
- 2016 – Kenya
- 2017 – Kenya
- 2018 – Kenya
- 2019 – Uganda
- 2020 – 2021 – Not held (COVID-19 pandemic)
- 2022 – Kenya
- 2023 – Not held (technicalities)
- 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retained the trophy)
- 2025 – Uganda
Team Uganda:
Peter Mayende (17 years), Joseph Reagan Akena (20 years), John Musiimenta (21 years), Abdul Kakeeto (24 years), Abdallah Kakooza (28 years), Amon Bwambale (22 years), Andrew Ssekibejja (31 years), Elton Thembo (23 years), Godfrey Kambale (23 years), Joseph Kasozi (34 years)
Officials:
- Head coach: Lt. Flavia Namakula
- Team manager: Paul Habyarimana
Team Kenya:
- John Lejirma
- Elvis Muigua (Captain)
- Isaac Makokha
- Daniel Kiragu
- Ebill Omollo
- Junaid Manji
- Tsevi Soni
- Yuvraj Rajput
- Mwathi Gicheru
- Kevin Anyien
Team Officials:
- Head coach: Ali Khimji
- Team Manager: Brian Akun
- Head of Delegation: Chris Kinuthia
