The 18th edition of the Kakira Open teed offon Wednesdat at the par-72 Jinja Golf Course, attracting elite golfers from Uganda and the East African region.
This year, the tournament has been elevated with strengthened corporate support, now officially titled the Kakira-CFAO Mobility-Stanbic Bank Open.
Jim Mwine Kabeho, Director at Kakira Sugar, highlighted the significance of the partnerships that underpin the event. ‘The three main Ugandan brands-Kakira, Stanbic, and Toyota-have come together to sponsor the tournament,’ he explained.
The Shs45 million sponsorship supports player welfare, tournament logistics, and club infrastructure, while offering the sponsors a platform to engage with the golfing community.
‘We expect approximately 100 amateur players and nearly 50 professionals, including national team members and elite amateurs,’ Kabeho added, emphasizing the tournament’s broad appeal and competitive stature.
On the technical side, Eng. Fred Magala, Club Captain at Jinja Golf Club, outlined the competition format.
‘This is the 18th edition. Kakira has partnered with CFAO-Mobility, and this year we are proud to onboard a new sponsor in Stanbic Bank,’ he noted.
The tournament runs from 19 to 22 November, with elite amateurs and professionals contesting 54 holes over three days.
Professional and gross amateur players will compete on Friday, 21 November, in Group A Men handicap 0-9, Group B Men handicap 10-18 and Group C Men handicap 19-28, while ladies’ Groups A and B and senior divisions will play on Saturday, 22 November.
Among the gross amateurs, national team elite player Otukei Anthony and reigning Uganda Open champion Cwinyaai Joseph are confirmed participants.
The professional contingent includes figures such as Deo Akope, Chairman of UPGA, and Emmanuel Ogwang, UPGA Captain, adding further prestige to the field.
Last year’s edition made history as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event, putting Uganda firmly on the international stage. ‘The players who win this tournament will be internationally accredited,’ Magala confirmed.
Defending champions such as Reagan Akena, Sunday Lullet, Titus Okwong, and Martha Babirye will be closely watched as they seek to retain their titles.
With a strong field, world ranking stakes, and enhanced corporate support, the 2025 Kakira Open promises to be a memorable highlight in Uganda’s golfing calendar.