The 2025 Uganda Golf Open has turned into a two-man battle, with former champion Joseph Cwinya-ai closing in on Zambia’s Dominic Musonda ahead of a tense final day at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.
Through 14 holes on Thursday, Cwinya-ai trailed by four strokes, but the 2021 champion staged a late charge, birdieing the 15th, 16th, and 18th to finish just one shot behind the leader.
“I’m hungry,” Cwinya-ai said. “I want to win it for my fans. Tomorrow, I’m going man-to-man with Musonda, and I’m ready.”
Cwinya-ai started poorly with a bogey on the first after a three-putt but recovered well to stay in contention. Despite his strong finish, he felt he could have done better.
“My putter went cold; I believe I could have shot a 64. But I’ve always been good when chasing. Even in the Open I won at Entebbe, I came from behind on the final day.”
Musonda, who shot a steady two-under 69 to reach eight-under overall, admitted his short game wasn’t at its best.
“My swing was solid compared to yesterday, but I struggled on the greens,” the 22-year-old said. “If I can play the next two days like I did today, I’ll be fine.”
Abdul Kakeeto sits third, eight shots back after a one-over 72, while Elton Thembo and Ibrahim Ssemakula are tied for fourth, nine strokes behind Musonda.
Former champions Andrew Ssekibejja and Joseph Reagan Akena are out of contention after inconsistent rounds.
Friday’s pressure group tees off at midday, featuring Musonda, Cwinya-ai, and Kakeeto.
With just one shot separating the leaders and a big gap to the rest, fans are set for an electrifying head-to-head battle for the 2025 Uganda Open crown.
