Former NRA Bush War Commander Col. Samson Mande Launches Annual Golf Tournament in Kabale

Colonel Samson Mande has officially launched the Col Mande Annual Golf Tournament during the Col Samson Mande Homecoming Golf Tournament held at the Kabale Sports Club Golf Course in Makanga, Central Division of Kabale Municipality.

The launch marks a significant milestone as golfers, veterans, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Col. Mande’s return to Uganda after 25 years in exile in Sweden. Participants teed off at exactly 08:30am, signaling the start of competitive play in a tournament that symbolizes unity, reconciliation, and a new chapter in the life of the veteran, who is also a founding member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM/A).The tournament attracted participants from across Uganda and neighboring countries, highlighting its regional appeal and the significance of Col. Mande’s homecoming.

Kemigisha Charlot, a member of Kabale Sports Club, said the tournament was organized to honor Col. Mande’s return. She expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for facilitating his return, noting that the club was proud to host the historic event.

In an interview, Col. Mande revealed that the idea to sponsor the tournament was proposed by his colleagues in the golf fraternity, which he embraced wholeheartedly as part of efforts to promote and develop the sport in the region.

“This was the launch of the tournament which I will be sponsoring annually at Kabale Sports Club so that we can develop this sport,” he said.

He pledged continued support to the club, including paying membership fees for new members and helping them acquire golf equipment. He added that his support would also extend to improving infrastructure at the club to boost the development of golf.

Col. Mande further noted that he intends to support other sports disciplines, emphasizing that sports talent can be a reliable source of income if well nurtured and exposed.

He also urged the public to change the perception that golf is a sport for the wealthy, stressing that passion and talent are key. He observed that many people spend heavily on leisure activities such as alcohol but hesitate to invest in sports due to mindset limitations.

Additionally, he called on the government to invest more resources in sports development, including golf, arguing that there are untapped resources that could significantly boost the sector both in the region and nationwide.

The tournament is expected to conclude with an awards ceremony later in the evening at Kabale Sports Club.

Col. Mande returned to Uganda in October 2025 after more than two decades in exile. A former NRA Bush War field commander, he later became a critic of President Museveni and was previously linked to rebel activities before being officially welcomed back into the country.