Beyond the Green: How Watoto Golf Tournament is Turning Swings into Hope
David GOMBE
For many golfers, the game is about competition, skill and the joy of being on the course. But at the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament, the game carried a much bigger purpose- helping vulnerable mothers build better lives for themselves and their families.
The third edition of the Watoto Golf Tournament came to a close on Saturday, August 8, at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante, after a week of golf, networking and fundraising under the theme “Hope on the Green.” The tournament brought together professional golfers, amateurs, caddies, corporate teams, sponsors and golf lovers for a cause that went beyond the golf course.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Senior Pastor and Team Leader of Watoto Church Ministries, Julius Rwotlonyo, thanked Uganda Golf Club for hosting the tournament and praised the club for making this year’s event a smooth experience despite the large number of players.
Pastor Rwotlonyo said Watoto Church is committed to caring for communities and believes that faith should be demonstrated through practical action. He explained that the golf tournament is one of the ways the church is bringing people together to support vulnerable mothers.
“Golf can be played for a career, competition or simply camaraderie, but golf can also be turned around for a cause. That’s what Watoto Golf is about. We want to go for a cause beyond the green, which is really to bring hope to vulnerable mothers,” Pastor Rwotlonyo said.
For Watoto Church, supporting vulnerable mothers is not simply about giving them money. The organisation works with women over time, providing training, mentorship and business support to help them become more independent.
Pastor Rwotlonyo explained that the church does not believe handouts are a lasting solution to poverty. Instead, the women are prepared to use the support they receive to start or strengthen businesses and create sustainable sources of income.
Last year, Watoto raised about Shs360 million through the tournament and other fundraising activities, with the aim of supporting 1,000 vulnerable mothers. More than 700 mothers have since gone through training and received support to strengthen their businesses, while the remaining women are expected to benefit as the programme continues.
This year, Watoto set a target of raising Shs450 million to empower 1,000 vulnerable mothers through business starter packs worth Shs450,000 each.
The support is intended to help women start or expand small businesses, generate income and provide better for their families.
“I pray that Hope on the Green will become one of Uganda’s biggest charity events. Not just to raise so much money, but to see more lives transformed through the generosity of Ugandans and people that love God,” he remarked.
Michael Nuwagaba, Chairman of Uganda Golf Club mentioned, “Uganda Golf Club is proud to provide a platform where Watoto can connect with golfers and corporate partners who want to contribute to the cause.”
The tournament closed with winners and trophies celebrating top performers across various categories. Ronald Rugumayo emerged as the overall Professional winner with 278 points, while Juma Abiti secured victory in the Gross Elite Amateur category with 218 points. Among the caddies, Denis Kabarira took home the Best Caddie (Men) with 75 points, and Joweria Namanda claimed the Best Caddie (Female) with 84 points.
“One of my favourite verses says, ‘I can do all things through Jesus Christ.’ Before I say anything, I would like to thank my fellow pros. We put in a lot, and at the same time, everything we do, if we don’t have tournaments like this, it’s all for nothing,” said Rugumayo.
The tournament also received support from a wide range of partners including; Uganda Professional Golfers Association, Deo Akope Foundation, Power FM, CFAO Mobility Uganda, Britam, Fenon, East African Development Bank, Bank of Uganda, Fairway Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, ONOMO Hotel Kampala, Equity Bank Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Absa Bank Uganda, MTN Uganda and Capital One Group.
The Watoto Golf Tournament is part of a wider goal to empower vulnerable mothers across Uganda and South Sudan. By 2034, when Watoto marks 50 years of impact, the organisation aims to empower 10,000 vulnerable mothers. Since 2008, more than 8,700 women have benefited from the Watoto Neighbourhood Programme through business skills, mentorship and entrepreneurship training.