My Rwandan reverie, that delightful immersion into Kigali’s serene spirit, had a vibrant, adrenaline-fueled purpose simmering beneath the surface. It wasn’t merely a personal escape; it was the stage for the second act of the #MuemaChallenge Series, our Kigali edition. Following a spectacular inaugural event at the mesmeric Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Uganda – where our Ugandan brethren playfully insisted on a proper celebration, reminding us we couldn’t be just “#Cousins without a party” So a great party was had in #Kigo. And the Ugandans were here again… 🙂
– This Kigali tournament marked our second appearance in what we envision as an impactful 2025 season, featuring four events.
Two more exciting events remain in our calendar: our flagship tournament in the coastal resort City of Mombasa at the delightful PGA-rated #Baobab course in Vipingo, and the Grand Finale at Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort – a course built into the Aberdare Mountain range overlooking the Great Rift Valley. We are already reserving spots for these two events that are extremely popular, so don’t get left behind; visit www.muemachallenge.com for details.
The irony, however, is that this very Kigali edition teetered precariously on the edge of non-existence. The dedicated team behind the Muema Challenge have been working tirelessly, fueled by a vision to establish a true East African footprint for the series. Yet, there were moments when the ambition felt overwhelming, as if we had indeed “bitten off more than we could chew.” The initial concept was robust, the passion undeniable, but a confluence of economic headwinds seemed determined to derail our progress. Emails went unanswered, and those that did elicit a response often carried the disappointing weight of regret and declined partnerships.
But we are Kenyans, after all – a people known for their versatility and unwavering resilience. We pressed on, navigating unforeseen obstacles, discovering innovative solutions, and tenaciously pursuing every potential avenue. We also had invaluable help on the ground, guiding us through the local complexities and following up on crucial leads. They opened their local networks up to us and then did the hard grind of chasing up connections and pivoting conversations that seemed to have stalled.
Together, we formed a formidable tag team, and it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge their immense efforts. To Brenda and Belyse, we owe you big time, and we remain in your debt. Slowly, the vision began to resonate with some of our prospective partners. Then, almost as if a dam had burst, a whirlwind of activity ensued, a frantic race against the ticking clock to transform the Kigali dream into a tangible reality.
And then there I was, standing on the terrace of the #KigaliGolfResort in the pre-dawn hush, watching the first golfer send their ball soaring into the crisp morning air at 5:45 am, a wave of profound pride washed over me. We had done it. Against the odds, against the logistical hurdles and the financial anxieties, we had pulled it off. One hundred and fifty-two golfers stood ready to embrace the challenge, the fairways stretching out like promises under the emerging light. I knew in that moment that this was going to be a truly remarkable day.
That mountain of emails that kept me company in Nairobi, at the airport, wasn’t just routine correspondence; it was the culmination of my own last-minute marketing “gymnastics,” a flurry of digital negotiations aimed at securing those crucial final partnerships that would help us finance this Rwandan escapade. But the backroom drama, the sleepless nights, the moments of doubt – all of that faded into insignificance as the sun painted the Kigali hills with gold. We were here, and that was all that mattered. The genesis of the Kigali Challenge had been fraught, the journey to this first tee tumultuous, but the energy in the air, the palpable excitement of the assembled golfers, was the undeniable reward. The unseen fairway had been navigated, and now, the main event was ready to unfold.
Gold, Glory, and the Arnold Palmer Truth…
The first flight of golfers teed off at 05:45 hours, and the last flight teed off at 13:00 hours. Muema’s flight was scheduled for 09:00 hours according to the meticulous draw. He was on the tee to promptly take his place in the rush for Kigali Gold. A prize pot of 5 million Rwandese Francs was going to be shared out among the various category winners. The Muema Challenge was not just a stroll in the morning sunshine; there was something at stake. Nothing sharpens the senses like a prize worth winning. The jury is still out on how our chairman played; the course was not so kind to many of the golfers on Saturday. But there was also some exceptional golf on display by both senior and junior players. The winners’ List below tells the full story. (Include Link with the Tournament draw plus a winners list by category)
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening — and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” — Arnold Palmer.
So, while the game of golf can be a trial of endless failure and frustration, every now and then, you hit a magnificent shot that keeps you coming back. And that, my friends, is why we play golf at the Muema Challenge. For that priceless look on your face, that bizarre moment of madness when you have shanked the ball left into the next fairway, only for you to hit the perfect tee shot on the very next hole or sink a 40-foot birdie putt to win a play-off hole to the chagrin of your opponent. The game is made sweeter because of this unpredictable balance.
Beyond the Fairway:
The #MuemaChallenge Ethos and Our Green Vision
Like any great sporting event, it’s the characters who truly bring the show to life. The likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dazzle not only with their skills but also with their undeniable presence. Golf is no different; for a long time, Tiger Woods strode the game like a colossus, consuming everything in his wake. But even the greatest fade with age, and new champions rise. Golf itself is experiencing a global renaissance, fueled by innovation around its various formats.
The #MuemaChallenge is our distinct attempt to create our own piece of golfing pomp for African social golfers – those who crave a competitive tour but without the immense pressure of the pro circuit. Beyond the competition, however, the Challenge is also big on paying it forward. We are deeply committed to giving back to the community through a variety of social impact initiatives wherever we play the game.
As the #MuemaChallenge grows, so too does our responsibility to contribute meaningfully. Watch this space for the upcoming launch of our green initiative, aptly dubbed #SwingForTheTrees. Through this climate action partnership, the Muema Challenge plans to launch the 1 Million Tree Challenge – an ambitious goal to plant one million trees in a single calendar year across the region. We are incredibly excited to embark on projects like this, initiatives that will profoundly impact the lives of so many in East Africa.
As you can see, our game lives far beyond the well-manicured golf clubs where we play the game. The #MuemaChallenge also wants to be a vehicle that can bring together visionary ideas for good. This is golf with a tangible difference.
Unplugging in Kigali’s Heartbeat…
The sun, a gentle painter, spills its first gold over Kigali, coaxing the city awake one rolling hill at a time. So far, the story has threaded a path into Kigali built on my organic experience of this wonderful land, one rolling hill at a time. And yet, that seemed superficial; inasmuch as the experience has been ethereal, I cannot help but feel there is a deeper cultural significance that keeps this place ticking. An enduring heartbeat that is at the very core of their being.
And then it struck me like a ton of bricks… and I am completely flummoxed because it has been staring me right in the face all along. The Rwandese OS (Operating System) is powered by something they call #Ubumuntu, which many would compare to the South African-inspired #Ubuntu. It is their why, a powerful cultural signpost that drives their shared ethos and actions.
For example, #Muraho as an opening phrase is more than just a greeting; it is both a question and an acknowledgment of life. If I could translate this literally… #Muraho queries and affirms, both at the same time: “Are you alive?” Both a question and an answer. Ha! This is writer’s gold. I am back in my room as I ponder these thoughts… eager for the next day, Saturday, and a competition filled with promise.
The Rwandan OS: Ubumuntu and Its Manifestations
This is the essence, the very breath, of this land. It is the invisible thread of collective responsibility, meticulously woven, that allows Rwanda to hum, not merely like a well-oiled machine, but like a perfectly tuned orchestra. Each note, each life, contributes to a harmonious, purpose-driven narrative. From the collective spirit of Umuganda, where hands join as one to sculpt their shared tomorrow, to the quiet, unwavering Agaciro, the dignity that shines in every eye, every confident stride. And beneath it all, the profound truth of Ndi Umunyarwanda—”I Am Rwandan”—a declaration that transcends division, forging unity from shared breath and purpose.
This is the Rwanda I have come to know. Not just the physical landscape, but the landscape of the soul. A people deeply proud, profoundly grounded, and moving forward with a grace and intentionality that speaks volumes.
And yet, as a Kenyan, my own soul resonates with a familiar rhythm. Perhaps our dramatic existence doesn’t always follow such an overtly ordered refrain, but we are not far removed. For all of Africa’s diverse narratives, for all the echoes of a murky colonial past, her original, uniting heartbeat remains. In the South, they articulate it as #Ubuntu. Here in Rwanda, I have discovered its profound manifestation in #Ubumuntu. And in Kenya, our spirit finds voice in the active, communal call of #Harambee – “pulling together” – and the infectious, jovial spirit of #HakunaMatata, the embrace of life’s unburdened joy, a resilience born of knowing that “no worries” can truly conquer a determined heart.
For an increasingly young African population, eager to discover a future filled with promise, there is another refrain—one that acknowledges their new voice and the fact that they will no longer wait for their place in this world while their leaders squander their heritage. They move to a digital rhythm, operating with ease in the virtual domain. They are the #GenZNation, and in Kenya, their will has found voice in a musical chant that says #AngukaNayo. Do we see them? Do we hear them?
This is the Africa they don’t write about. Africa, powered not by hardship alone but by a profound humanity, a deep-seated pride, and an unbreakable spirit of collective purpose, whether expressed through structured duty or spontaneous joy. This is the Africa that lives in the soul of its people. And so, we must – I must – tell this story.
