The Uganda Kenya Coast Open took place at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County.
A golf tournament in Kilifi brought together Kenyan and Ugandan players as both countries seek more cross-border visitors.
Kenya and Uganda are promoting sports tourism to grow cross-border travel ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. A joint golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County highlighted the push on October 24.
The Uganda Kenya Coast Open brought together golfers from both countries ahead of a tourism summit in Mombasa. Kenya won the team contest, while Dr Wilson Miano claimed the overall individual title.
Rose Musau took the ladies’ category, and Kagwe Kibugu earned the best man award. Uganda’s Angelo Wasike also secured the overall gross title, the organisers said.
Golf supports sports tourism links
Uganda’s Consulate General in Mombasa hosted the tournament, which included members of a visiting Ugandan tourism trade delegation. The delegation was on a familiarisation visit to the Kenyan Coast.
Organisers see sporting events as a way to increase spending on accommodation, transport, food and other services. They also hope the events will encourage repeat travel between the neighbouring countries.
Sifa Dena, captain of Malindi Golf and Country Club, said golf visitors stay longer, spend more and return. Dena, who served as master of ceremonies, also highlighted the Coast’s appeal as a golfing destination.
AFCON offers wider tourism opportunities
Meanwhile, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are preparing to co-host AFCON 2027, which should attract football supporters and other visitors. Tourism packages could encourage those fans to explore destinations beyond the host cities.
That approach could also spread the tournament’s benefits to hotels, restaurants, transport operators and tour companies.
Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, said sporting travel could deepen tourism links and regional integration. With AFCON approaching, he urged both countries to develop the sector together.
Kenya has already used the Magical Kenya Open and Safari Rally campaigns to promote travel. Uganda has similarly drawn international participants and visitors through events such as the Rwenzori Marathon.
Mombasa summit to address travel barriers
The fifth Uganda Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit will run on October 26–27 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa. Delegates will discuss tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
The programme will also focus on policy barriers, technology, youth and easier movement across East Africa. The Ugandan Consulate and tourism stakeholders have convened the summit annually since 2022.
Through those discussions, organisers aim to position Uganda and the Kenyan Coast as complementary destinations rather than competing markets.
