Rising Star Byaruhanga claims Ekyooto Hampango Junior golf championship during Tooro Kingdom’s 30th Coronation Jubilee

The greens of Toro Golf Club came alive as 18-year-old Justus Byaruhanga, a senior five student at Central College Mityana was crowned champion of the Ekyooto Hampango Junior Golf Championship.

This was held to mark the 30th Coronation Jubilee of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro Kingdom.

Byaruhanga produced a composed performance to return a 72 gross over 18 holes, securing the boys’ top prize in a tournament that showcased the growing talent within Ugandan junior golf.

The event attracted 41 young golfers, all nurtured through the AFRIYEA Golf Academy, a development programme fast becoming the nursery for East Africa’s next generation of champions.

Byaruhanga reflects on his victory:

Holding aloft his silverware in front of Tooro’s dignitaries, the young champion described the moment as a defining milestone in his career.

This is the proudest moment of my golfing life so far. To win in Tooro during His Majesty’s jubilee is truly special. I owe much to Toro Golf Club, my academy coaches, and my family. I hope this victory inspires more young Ugandans to discover golf.

Justus Byaruhanga

Tooro Kingdom applaud the championship

The Kingdom’s leaders praised the tournament not only as a sporting event but as an investment in youth and community development.

Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, said; “The Ekyooto Hampango Junior Golf Championship is not merely a sporting event; it is a statement of our Kingdom’s belief in discipline, focus, and resilience. Golf is uniquely positioned to instil these values in our young people.”

Hon. Abooki Nyakake, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender, highlighted the inclusivity of the championship:

The sight of both boys and girls competing here is heartening. Golf, too often regarded as an elite pursuit, is being reclaimed as a game for every child with ambition. This championship proves that the doors are open.

Hon. Abooki Nyakake, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender

Hon. Joan Else Kantu, Tooro Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism, connected the event to wider economic opportunities:

Golf brings visitors to Fort Portal and, in turn, Fort Portal offers them the splendour of Tooro’s culture and landscape. This event will be remembered not only for its champions but also for its contribution to tourism.

Hon. Joan Else Kantu, Tooro Kingdom minister of Tourism

From the host venue, Toro Golf Club, officials hailed the emergence of a new generation of golfers.

Our course has a storied past, but today it has hosted the future. To witness Byaruhanga’s composure at just 18 was remarkable. These young players embody the promise of Ugandan golf.

Robert Mugabe, Captain of Toro Golf Club

Toro club is historically a home of organic talent and as a club we are committed to collaborate with different organizations to develop the game for everyone, hinted Frank Kirungi the chairman of toro golf club.

Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy, underscored the academy’s mission of nurturing long-term talent:

This must not be a one-off. Together, we can entrench this championship in the sporting calendar and produce golfers who compete at the very highest level. By creating opportunities for young people to play and compete, we are building the foundation for future champions who will carry the Ugandan flag nationally and internationally. Golf is more than sport – it promotes health, protects the environment, and provides professional pathways. Events like this are the bedrock of a sustainable sporting future.

Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy

Other Winners

The championship also saw strong performances across the younger categories:

Boys, 9 holes – Lafif Abdul (47 gross)

              •            Girls, 9 holes – Kabajuma Joyce (55 gross)

              •            6 holes – Musoni Nathan (35 gross)

              •            5 holes – Aineomugisha Rabason (35 gross)

A tournament with a lasting Impact

The Ekyooto Hampango Junior Golf Championship stood as both a sporting highlight and a cultural celebration, embodying Tooro Kingdom’s commitment to youth empowerment.

For Byaruhanga and his fellow competitors, the event was not only about trophies but also about becoming part of a growing story: one where the Kingdom’s traditions, Uganda’s sporting ambitions, and the dreams of young golfers converge on the fairways of Fort Portal.