Atinoi Basil still carries dreams, not just golf bags

For 12 years, Atinoi Basil has been a familiar presence at the Uganda Golf Club, assisting golfers in their pursuit of birdies and trophies. On August 3, 2026, the roles were reversed at the Watoto Caddies Tournament, where Basil and his fellow caddies had the chance to chase their own aspirations.

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I had just finished school and needed something that could help me earn a living. A cousin introduced me to the club, and that’s how everything started.

Basil, a soft-spoken caddie, arrived at the club in 2014 seeking employment after finishing high school. What began as a means of survival evolved into a career, a learning environment, and an unexpected passion. Beyond the nuances of golf, Basil also trained as a coffee barista and roaster, but caddying remained his primary profession, consistently providing for his needs and funding his education.

He emphasizes that the role of a caddie is often misunderstood, extending far beyond simply carrying golf bags. "A caddie is like the golfer’s second mind," Basil explains. "You guide them, help them understand the course and give advice throughout the round." This role demands keen observation, patience, and trust. Caddies undergo rigorous training, learning every aspect of the course to provide invaluable guidance to players.

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People think we only carry golf bags. But a caddie is like the golfer’s second mind. You guide them, help them understand the course and give advice throughout the round.

However, the profession comes with inherent uncertainty. Caddies at Uganda Golf Club earn only when assigned to a player by the caddie master, leading to inconsistent workdays. "It is casual work," Basil notes. "Sometimes you work, sometimes you don’t. But it has helped me pay school fees and support myself." Despite the challenges, the opportunity to compete in the caddies' tournament offered a unique chance for caddies like Basil to step into the spotlight and play for their own dreams.

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It is casual work. Sometimes you work, sometimes you don’t. But it has helped me pay school fees and support myself.