Team Kenya wins Uganda–Kenya Coast Open as sports tourism gains focus

Team Kenya emerged victorious at the Uganda–Kenya Coast Open golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi on Saturday, as Kenya and Uganda seek to use sporting events to boost cross-border tourism ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Dr Wilson Miano was named the overall winner for Team Kenya, while Rose Musau won the ladies’ category and Kagwe Kibugu took the best man title. Uganda’s Angelo Wasike claimed the overall gross winner award.

The tournament, held on the PGA Baobab Course, brought together golfers from the two countries and members of a Ugandan tourism trade delegation visiting the Kenyan Coast.

Hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Uganda in Mombasa, the event preceded the fifth Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, scheduled for October 26–27 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa.

Malindi Golf and Country Club captain Sifa Dena said golf could help attract visitors to the Coast by encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

"Golf brings people to the Coast who stay longer, spend more and come back. Hosting Ugandan and Kenyan golfers on the same course shows what Vipingo Ridge and the Coast can offer as a golfing destination," said Dena, who was also the tournament’s master of ceremonies.

Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, said sporting events offered an opportunity to strengthen regional ties while creating tourism opportunities for both countries.

"Sport is one of the most natural bridges between our people. Every Ugandan golfer, runner or football fan who travels to Kenya, and every Kenyan who travels to Uganda, strengthens the regional integration that our two countries are working toward. With AFCON 2027 ahead, sports tourism is a product we must build together," said Kiguli.

Kenya has used major sporting events to attract regional visitors, including the Magical Kenya Open golf tournament and the Safari Rally. The Kenya Tourism Board’s “WRC Tugende Kenya” campaign around the rally drew an estimated 33,000 regional motorsport fans, many from Uganda, according to the statement.

Uganda has also attracted visitors through sporting events, with the Rwenzori Marathon drawing 18,000 visitors from 36 countries and 6,000 runners in 2025. About one in five runners came from outside Uganda.

The two countries, alongside Tanzania, are preparing to co-host AFCON 2027, which will be the first edition of the continental football tournament staged in East Africa.

Miano said he would return to the Kenyan Coast for another golfing event after his win at Vipingo Ridge.

"The course was a fantastic test and the hospitality was even better. I will be back with my golfing friends next year for the Kenya Coast Open," said Miano.

The tourism summit will focus on addressing policy barriers and expanding opportunities through technology, youth participation and easier movement across East Africa.

The annual platform, convened by Uganda’s Consulate General in Mombasa alongside tourism stakeholders from Uganda and the Kenyan Coast, seeks to promote the two destinations as complementary tourism markets rather than competitors.