Uganda’s national golf team made history on Saturday evening by defeating arch-rivals Kenya to win the 2025 Victoria Cup Golf Tournament at the scenic Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort.
With a final tally of 14.5 points to Kenya’s 11.5, Uganda secured its second-ever victory in the nine-year history of the prestigious biennial event.
The final day of competition saw Kenya mount a fierce comeback, winning four consecutive single matches to close the gap.
However, Uganda’s resilience shone through, with Titus Okwong and John Musiimenta delivering crucial wins to steady their team.
The defining moment came when Joseph Reagan Akena secured a half point against Ebill Omollo officially sealing Uganda’s triumph.
To cap it off, team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai dominated his match against Kevin Anyien, ensuring Uganda’s overall victory and bringing the coveted Victoria Cup trophy back home.
Uganda’s triumph was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, especially after the heartbreak of 2024’s rain-affected tie which allowed Kenya to retain the trophy.
This time, under the expert guidance of coach Flavia Namakula and team manager Paul Habyarimana, Uganda executed a well-planned strategy to reclaim the title.
The win also highlighted the success of Uganda’s junior golf development, a vision championed by former federation president Moses Matsiko and current leader Jackson Were.
The team’s younger talents, Mayende, Ssemakula and Otukei played a vital role in this historic victory.
Named after Lake Victoria, the tournament has become one of East Africa’s most celebrated golfing events since its inception in 2016.
Modeled after the Ryder Cup, it follows the match-play format, testing players’ strategy, teamwork and mental toughness.
While Kenya has historically dominated the competition, winning in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022, Uganda has now broken their stronghold twice, first in 2019 and now in 2025.
Victoria Cup Winners
- 2016 – Kenya
- 2017 – Kenya
- 2018 – Kenya
- 2019 – Uganda
- 2020-2021 – Not held (COVID-19)
- 2022 – Kenya
- 2023 – Not held (technicalities)
- 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retained trophy)
- 2025 – Uganda
