Willy Deus Kitata has announced himself on the regional golf stage in emphatic fashion, delivering a landmark victory that signals a new chapter for Ugandan golf. The US-based professional golfer claimed the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing title in Kenya, earning his first-ever professional win and stamping his authority among the region’s rising stars.
Kitata finished the three-round tournament with an impressive 5-under par 208, holding his nerve under pressure to edge out Kenya’s David Wakhu and Njoroge Kibugu, who tied for second place. It was a composed and mature performance that reflected both his experience and growing confidence at the professional level.
A former Uganda Amateur Open champion, Kitata’s triumph was about more than just silverware. The victory earned him Ksh 400,000 (approximately Ug.Shs 11 million) and, crucially, valuable ranking points toward qualification for the prestigious 2026 Magical Kenya Open—one of the biggest stages in African golf.
Beyond the numbers, Kitata’s success is a powerful statement about Uganda’s expanding footprint in regional golf. Competing and winning on the Sunshine Development Tour underscores the steady rise of Ugandan talent and highlights the country’s potential to consistently challenge traditional powerhouses in East African golf.
Kitata’s breakthrough month did not go unnoticed. His achievement was recognized at the Fortebet Real Stars monthly awards, where he was honored alongside long-distance running sensation Jacob Kiplimo and Vipers SC midfielder Abdul-Karim Watambala—placing golf firmly in the spotlight among Uganda’s elite sporting performances of January
