Atinoi Basil still carries dreams, not just golf bags

What the report says

At Uganda Golf Club in Kampala, caddie Atinoi Basil was among 59 caddies who took part in the third edition of the Watoto Golf Tournament’s caddies event on Monday, 3 August 2026. The competition was organized to put caddies in the spotlight before elite amateurs and professionals teed off later in the week. According to The Independent Uganda, the event gave caddies a rare chance to compete rather than support other players.

Basil’s story was presented as representative of many caddies at the club. He joined Uganda Golf Club in 2014 after finishing school and looking for work, and he said caddying has helped him earn a living, pay school fees and support himself. The article also notes that he has trained as a coffee barista and roaster, but has remained in golf. He described caddying as a skilled role that involves course knowledge, advice and trust, not just carrying bags.

The report says Basil hopes to stay in the sport and one day become a golfer himself. It also highlighted the tournament’s symbolic value: for one day, the people who usually help others play were able to compete for their own results. Denis Kabarira and Joweria finished top among the caddies, with gross scores of 75 and 84 respectively. More broadly, the piece emphasized the often overlooked role caddies play in golf and why recognition matters for their livelihoods and ambitions.