The 2026 Absa Chairman’s Bell Golf Event received underway in model on Monday on the Uganda Golf Membership, Kitante, with the inaugural Caddies Event taking centre stage.

For the primary time within the event’s historical past, caddies got their very own aggressive platform as a part of an expanded four-in-one championship that now options the Caddies, Gross Amateurs, Professionals and the Predominant Occasion.

A complete of 71 caddies teed off within the historic competitors, which was launched to recognise the invaluable contribution caddies make to the game whereas additionally providing them a chance to showcase their expertise and achieve aggressive publicity.

After an thrilling day on the par-72 course, Basil Atinoi emerged victorious within the males’s class after returning a rating of 1-over-par 73. Joweria Namanda was topped the general excellent woman following a formidable spherical of 7-over-par 78.

The caddies competed for a devoted prize kitty of UGX 2 million, with contributors displaying outstanding talent and willpower all through the day.

Uganda Golf Membership Caddie Grasp Ronald Akorabirungi, who additionally participated within the event, welcomed the initiative and praised Absa Financial institution Uganda for creating the chance.

UGC Caddie Grasp Akorabirungi Ronald takes half within the Absa Caddies Event on the 2026 Chairmans Bell

“This can be a dream come true for many people. For years, now we have been the unseen palms behind the sport, and right now Absa has given us a stage to indicate what we are able to do. It means the whole lot to be recognised and to compete alongside fellow caddies who share the identical ardour,” he mentioned.

Uganda Golf Membership Chairman Paul Nuwagaba additionally applauded the introduction of the brand new class, noting that it additional enriches the distinguished event, now in its eighth 12 months beneath the sponsorship of Absa Financial institution Uganda.

“It’s essential that we organise the entire system during which we play this sport, and there are a lot of aspects together with caddies who’re very useful however not simply furnishings on the course. We thank Absa for arising strongly on this explicit event as we proceed rising the sport and creating inclusive alternatives for all who’re captivated with golf,” he famous.

The event now shifts focus to the Gross Amateurs and Professionals classes, which tee off on Tuesday with greater than 250 contributors anticipated to battle for honours forward of Saturday’s extremely anticipated Predominant Occasion.

Sponsored by Absa Financial institution Uganda with a complete dedication of UGX 185 million, the week-long championship guarantees one other memorable version as a few of Uganda’s best {golfing} skills compete throughout the assorted classes.

LIST OF WINNERS – CADDIES – ABSA UGC CHAIRMAN’S BELL TOURNAMENT 2026.docx

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