From July 10th to 13th, 2025, the Toro Golf Club in Fort Portal, Uganda, transformed into a vibrant arena of skill and celebration with the 2nd Hima Open Golf Tournament.
Featuring over 150 amateur golfers vying for a substantial UGX 8M prize pool, this event showcased local talent and cemented its place as a cultural and sporting highlight.
Led by former Uganda Ladies Open champion Peace Kabasweka and national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, the tournament pulsed with competitive energy, drawing golf enthusiasts to the scenic Rwenzori foothills.
The fairways buzzed with excitement as Kabasweka, a Toro Club favorite, and Cwinya-ai, fresh from a stellar season, took center stage.
Cwinya-ai’s recent record-breaking 200 score at the ABSA Captain’s Bell had set high expectations, while Kabasweka’s big-match experience promised a fierce defense of her legacy.
Their presence underscored Toro Golf Club’s storied tradition of nurturing Uganda’s finest golfers, a point echoed by club captain Robert Mugabe.
With over 100 participants and an expanded field of 150 amateurs, the tournament’s medal play format tested every drive and putt, captivating a growing audience.
The event’s theme, “Swinging for Heritage and Cementing Bonds through Golf and Culture,” resonated deeply, aligning with Hima Cement’s community engagement strategy.
As the title sponsor, Hima Cement leveraged the tournament to strengthen local ties, a mission reflected in the presence of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV.
His attendance, tied to his 30th coronation anniversary celebrations in September 2025, infused the event with cultural significance, bridging sport and tradition.
The Uganda Golf Union’s outreach amplified this connection, positioning the Hima Open as a precursor to the Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival, further enriching Fort Portal’s tourism narrative.
Fort Portal’s natural beauty, framed by the Rwenzori Mountains, provided a stunning backdrop that drew participants and spectators alike.
The timing, just before the culturally vibrant Ekyooto Ha Mpango Festival, enhanced the economic impact, with local businesses thriving from the influx of visitors.
Historical data from Toro Golf Club highlights its role in producing top talent, and this tournament’s success could elevate the region’s profile as a golfing and tourism destination.
The event’s alignment with Hima Cement’s sponsorship promises even greater support for the 2026 edition, signaling a bright future for regional sports and culture.
The 2nd Hima Open was more than a competition, the event was a celebration of heritage, talent, and community. As golfers swung for glory and bonds were forged, Fort Portal emerged as a hub of sporting excellence and cultural pride.
With King Oyo’s blessing and Hima Cement’s backing, this tournament not only honored the past but also paved the way for a thriving future, blending the rhythm of golf with the heartbeat of Uganda’s traditions.
Fort Portal Heritage Tour and City Exploration
Beyond the greens, the Hima Open offered a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in a Fort Portal heritage tour, celebrating the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, the Chief Guest and Tooro Kingdom ruler, added royal splendor, especially poignant as his 30th coronation anniversary approaches in September 2025.
A Fort Portal city tour would showcase landmarks like the Lugard Monument and the New Tooro Kingdom Palace, blending history with modern appeal, as recommended by Tripadvisor’s top attractions list.
Western Uganda Region Attractions
Fort Portal serves as a gateway to the Western Uganda region’s attractions, including the nearby Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, renowned for primate trekking and birdwatching.
The region’s scenic beauty positions it as a must-visit for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts, further supported by the Uganda Golf Union’s efforts to promote competitive outreach.
Hotel Accommodation in Fort Portal, Western Uganda
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, with options like the Nyaika Hotel and Mountains of the Moon Hotel, both within a 5-minute drive of Toro Golf Club and offering full-service spas, as per Trip.com’s latest listings. These hotels cater to golfers and tourists seeking luxury and convenience, with rates starting at USD 8 for budget stays and upscale resorts enhancing the experience.
Building Beyond the Game
Hima Cement’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to building community, extending beyond cement production to foster sports and cultural bonds.
The Hima Open 2025 was a landmark event, blending golf tourism with Fort Portal’s heritage, city tours, and the natural wonders of Western Uganda, all supported by excellent hotel accommodations.
About Hima Cement
Hima Cement Uganda Ltd. is the preferred supplier of building products and solutions in East Africa
Hima Cement, founded in 1994 and acquired by Sarrai Group in 2024, is a leading cement manufacturer in Uganda with a 2M+ tonne annual capacity across plants in Kasese, Kampala, and Tororo.
For more information, follow @HimaCement on X or visit local tourism boards. Whether you’re swinging a club or exploring heritage, Fort Portal awaits!
About Tooro Kingdom
The Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s four traditional kingdoms, traces its origins to the 16th-century Bito dynasty, founded by Prince Olimi Kaboyo Kasunsunkwanzi.
Abolished in 1967 but restored in 1993, Tooro Kingdom is led by His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV (the reigning Omukama of Tooro), crowned at age three in 1995 after his father’s death. Born April 16, 1992, to King Patrick Kaboyo III and Queen Best Kemigisa, Rukidi IV of Tooro, now 33, symbolizes cultural resilience.
As Omukama (King or traditional ruler in Uganda), King Oyo’s role focuses on heritage, with the 2025 Hima Open (July 10-12) honoring his 30th coronation anniversary.
Discover the rich history and culture of the Tooro Kingdom!
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