Introduction to the African Disc Golf Summit
The African Disc Golf Summit is set to take place from November 12 to 15, marking a significant milestone in the development of disc golf across the continent. This four-day event will bring together delegates from various countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Estonia, and the United States of America. The summit represents the first of its kind for disc golf on the African continent, showcasing the growing interest and potential of the sport.
Organizers and Goals of the Summit
The summit is jointly organized by Disc Golf Uganda and the Paul McBeth Foundation, with support from UPlay, UDisc, and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). The primary aim of the event is to establish a foundation for the structured growth of disc golf in Africa through training, networking, and competition. Participants will engage in technical sessions covering course design, teaching the game, event hosting, and data analytics, all led by influential figures in the sport.
Notable speakers include Avery Jenkins, a former World Champion, who will conduct a session on course design. UPlay educators will focus on introducing disc golf in schools and communities, while UDisc and PDGA will lead discussions on event organization and the use of data to track the sport’s progress.
Growth of Disc Golf in Uganda
Disc golf was first introduced in December 2022 at Ndejje University during the East African University Games. This initiative was championed by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Rev. Latimer Muwanguzi. The official launch coincided with the establishment of the country’s first permanent 18-hole course at Ndejje University.
Momentum continued in 2023 with the inaugural PDGA-sanctioned tournament, the Crested Crane Classic, held at Ndejje University in October. Uganda’s journey from introduction to continental leadership has taken less than three years.
According to the UDisc global course guide, Uganda currently has four permanent disc golf courses: the Ndejje University Disc Golf Course in Luweero, the Uganda Christian University Disc Golf Course in Mukono, the Katosi Disc Golf Course in Katosi, and the Acasia Disc Golf Course in Kampala. These courses represent a fast-growing network that has evolved through partnerships between Disc Golf Uganda, the Paul McBeth Foundation, and international volunteers.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the progress, Uganda still faces challenges such as limited access to professional discs, baskets, and training facilities. The summit aims to address these issues through collaboration and sponsorship. Since 2022, Uganda has hosted several community clinics and three national events, helping introduce the game to schools and local sports institutions.
Summit Schedule and Key Events
The summit opens on November 12 with a networking dinner at Keba Hotel. The second day will feature a masterclass on course design led by 2009 World Champion Avery Jenkins and a community clinic at St. Joseph’s Institute Kisubi. On November 14, all eyes will turn to Ndejje University in Luweero for the official PDGA Event, where delegates will gain hands-on tournament experience.
The summit will conclude on November 15 with sessions on event hosting and sports data management. “Disc golf thrives on community. By bringing together passionate people from ten nations, this summit is planting seeds that will bear fruit in schools, parks, and communities across Africa,” said Israel Muwanguzi, the East Africa Coordinator at the PDGA.
Disc Golf in Africa – Fast Facts
- Uganda: 4 permanent courses (Ndejje University, UCU–Mukono, Katosi, Acasia–Kampala), 3 national tournaments since 2022
- South Africa: 12+ courses, hosts PDGA-sanctioned events including the Cape Town Open
- Zambia: 2 courses (Lusaka, Livingstone), growing youth development network
- Zimbabwe: 2 community courses, hosts annual regional meetups
- Rwanda & Ethiopia: Launching pilot programs through UPlay