On a warm and golden Saturday evening, as the shadows lengthened over the fairways of Uganda Golf Club, brilliance blazed through the greens at the 2025 UGC Captain’s Bell Tournament.
One of the nation’s most anticipated golfing events delivered thrilling performances and unforgettable moments but three names soared highest, Joseph Cwinyai, Deo Akope and Peace Kabasweka, each stamping their legacy on this storied tournament.
In the elite men’s gross amateur category, Joseph Cwinyai was nothing short of phenomenal. The national team stalwart launched his campaign with a blistering round of 63, tying the Uganda Golf Club course record.
It wasn’t just the score that turned heads, but how he did it: opening with six consecutive birdies and playing with the kind of confidence that can only be described as fearless.
From there, Cwinyai managed the pressure with the precision of a seasoned veteran, shooting 71 in the second round before closing with a fiery 66, peppered with eight birdies.
His 54-hole total of 200 gross earned him not only the men’s amateur title but UGX 2,040,000 and a signature Absa umbrella.
More than the prizes, however, Cwinyai’s performance captivated all who watched, making it a round to remember in Kitante history.
Fresh off hosting his own tournament in Entebbe, professional golfer Deo Akope reminded everyone why he’s still Uganda’s gold standard. The veteran’s four-round effort of 277 gross (-11) was a model of consistency and calm.
After an opening 72, Akope fired rounds of 69 and back-to-back 68s, pulling away from a talented field that included Grace Kasango (285) and a three-way tie for third between Phillip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa, and Tom Jingo (286).
Akope’s victory netted him UGX 3,780,000—the lion’s share of the UGX 20 million professional purse as well as the now-iconic Absa umbrella. More than the tangible rewards, his steady hand and sharp game once again solidified his place atop Uganda’s professional golf ranks.
Among the ladies, Peace Kabasweka delivered a gutsy and graceful performance to clinch the Ladies Gross Amateur title.
Representing Toro Club, she carded rounds of 76, 77, and 81 for a 234 total. It was not her flashiest outing, but Kabasweka’s composure under pressure was unmatched in a tightly contested field.
Her victory added UGX 800,000 and an umbrella to her growing trophy cabinet, as she continues to blaze a trail for women in Ugandan golf.
The day wasn’t just about the headliners. In other major categories, Mark Namanya emerged as the Kitante Cup winner, edging out Wilson Karuhanga while Peter Tumusiime triumphed in the Club Championship over Andrew Muhwezi.
In the Senior Gross Amateur bracket, Joseph Bagabo took top honours, and in the professional arena, only Akope stood taller.
The tournament also featured lively side competitions, celebrating golf’s full spectrum. Side bet winners included:
- Pingi Mingi: Jenny Tumwesigye
- Nearest to Pin (Ladies): Nampewo Juliya Joan
- Longest Drive (Ladies): Akol Alexis
- Nearest to Pin (Men): David Sekitoleko
- Longest Drive (Men): Charles Mubiru
Derrick Mubiru, Managing Director of Mighty Rides, presented the awards, which included Titleist Pro V1 sleeves, duffel bags, umbrellas and shoe tote bags.
In the Subsidiary Event, Matthew Nviiri was named Guest Winner, rewarded with a duffel bag by Absa Bank board member Alex Rugambwa.
Junior talents Arianna Bholim and Gabriel Amani were crowned Girls Junior and Boys Junior winners, respectively, pointing to a bright future for Ugandan golf.
The awards ceremony was graced by Moses Rutahigwa (Retail & Business Banking Director), David Wandera (Absa MD) and Paul Charles Rukundo (UGC Captain), who presented trophies and prizes to the day’s stars.
The 2025 UGC Captain’s Bell Tournament wasn’t just another day on the course, it was a celebration of excellence, community and the enduring spirit of golf in Uganda.
