By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has added a new chapter to its legacy in sports by launching disc golf as the latest addition to the university’s diverse games lineup. Disc golf brings fresh opportunities for competition and the pursuit of sporting excellence at the university.
UCU sports tutor Samuel Lukaire said the university’s collaboration with Disc Golf Uganda to introduce the sport at UCU was driven by the opportunities it presents for students. Among these is participating in international competitions, which would expand their sporting experience.
According to Lukaire, the future plans for this game at UCU involve improving the recently created disc golf course at Besania (Ankrah) Hill. The improvements are not only to upgrade the playing experience but also to attract both national and international events to the university.
“We will organize many training camps to help develop the skills of those interested,” Lukaire said, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing talent and growing the sport at UCU.
The Federation of Disc Golf Uganda has provided a few instructors and equipment to support the training, helping to ensure a smooth introduction of the sport to the university community since the Oct.5 launch with the USA-based, Christian-focused Eagles Wings Disc Golf group.
Israel Muwanguzi, the coordinator of Disc Golf in Uganda, said as a federation, they will continue to monitor progress and provide support whenever needed.
“When we organize tournaments, the UCU disc golf course will be one of the venues,” he said. “This will keep players active and engaged throughout.”
He says disc golf is a simple sport to learn and play. Instead of hitting a ball with a club as is the case with golf, in disc golf, players toss a plastic disc at a basket rather than a hole.
Muwanguzi notes that disc golf has significant environmental benefits, making it an asset to any community. Unlike traditional sports, which frequently require substantial infrastructure, disc golf can be played in natural settings with little damage. The courses make use of existing landscapes, helping to preserve green spaces.
Muwanguzi adds that while disc golf has been played for over 50 years in the world, it will celebrate its second anniversary in Uganda in December this year. UCU is now the fourth site in the country to have a disc golf course, following courses at Ndejje University and other locations in Katosi and Bundibugyo.
Muwanguzi said that as more universities join, the next big step will be to compete in inter-university games.
In their attempts to promote the sport to various institutions and communities, Muwanguzi acknowledges their collaboration with several partners, including the Professional Disc Golf Association, the global governing body for the sport, the Paul McBeth Foundation and the USA-based Eagles Disc Golf Club.
These organizations have all supported Disc Golf Uganda in developing courses, including at the UCU main campus.
Sam Welikhe, a second-year ICT student at UCU, expressed eagerness to explore and learn about the new sport, stating that he would like to participate in the game once the activities get underway.
Bimbona Sulphina, a first-year mass communication student at UCU, also expressed interest in participating in the new sport, saying, “If I start learning this game now, I could become an expert in the future.”
