Uganda’s national golf team captain, Joseph Cwinya-ai, delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Captain’s Bell Tournament, dominating the elite gross category with a sensational 200 gross (-6) over 54 holes.
His standout performance was headlined by a record-equalling 63 on the opening day, lighting up the Kitante fairways with clinical precision.
Cwinya-ai’s opening round will go down as one of the finest in UGC history. He birdied the first six holes consecutively, adding three more on holes 8, 13, and 17, and calmly parred the rest to match the course record. The blazing 63 set the tone for a remarkable tournament run.
He followed up with a composed 71 on day two, battling through three bogeys and picking up four birdies along the way. On the final day, Cwinya-ai sealed the deal with a brilliant 66, highlighted by eight birdies against just two bogeys.
Runner-up Anthony Otukei staged a strong comeback with rounds of 79, 70, and 67 (216), but it wasn’t enough to threaten Cwinya-ai’s lead.
Lawrence Walakira (76, 73, 70) and Joseph Kasozi (72, 72, 75) tied for third with 219, while reigning Uganda Amateur Open champion Joseph Akena settled for fifth with 220.
Out of the 48 elite amateurs, Cwinya-ai stood head and shoulders above the rest, reaffirming his place at the top of Uganda’s amateur golf hierarchy.
In the professional ranks, veteran golfer Deo Akope proved his class once again, finishing with a dominant 277 gross (-11) over four rounds.
After a modest even-par 72 on day one, Akope shifted gears, carding 69 and back-to-back 68s to clinch the title and the lion’s share of the Shs 20 million prize pool.
Grace Kasango finished second with 285 (72, 71, 74, 68), while Phillip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa, and Tom Jingo tied for third place at 286.
Other notable performers included Ronald Otile (287), Tadeo Rodell Gaita (288) and the duo of Davis Kato and Abbey Bagalana (289). All made the cut in a fiercely competitive field.
The Captain’s Bell tournament will wrap up on Saturday, 17th May, with the subsidiary group of golfers taking to the course for a one-day contest.
The event will culminate in the official prize-giving ceremony, capping off a week of high-quality golf in Kitante.
