Akena wins Nsubuga Golf Invitational tournament

Joseph Akena of Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club carded a 9-under 135 over 36 holes to win the Nsubuga Invitational Golf Championship in Lugazi on Saturday.

The national team member edged out his rival and national team captain, Joseph Cwinyaai, by a stroke to claim his seventh championship this year, wrapping up the season as the undisputed male golfer of the year.

This was the second time Akena defeated Cwinyaai by a stroke, having also edged him out during the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open in Entebbe.

The 19-year-old Juliana SSS student claimed the largest share of the UGX 4 million prize money, which was distributed among the top six players out of the 30 participants.

“It wasn’t easy because we were neck and neck with Cwinyaai, but thank God I won again. This is my best year ever in my career, and I’m sure it will open more opportunities for me. I’m not going to give up but will continue to work to get better,” Akena said.

“I received a customized kit from the R&A, and the training I received from them helped me improve greatly,” Akena added.

National team player Godfrey Nsubuga organized the tournament in conjunction with his friends in the US, where he is currently based, to inspire more youngsters to take up the sport that has brought him into the limelight.

“Lugazi is where my story starts, and I want to thank everyone for the opportunities they gave us to play golf,” Nsubuga noted.

“My journey has been shaped by the support of the golfing community, so I’m passionate about inspiring and motivating the youth of Uganda to pursue their golfing dreams,” he added.

Top ten

Reagan Akena 67 68 135

Joseph Cwinyaai 68 68 136

James Madira 75 67 142

Titus Okwong 71 72 143

Elton Tembo 73 71 144

Juma Abiti 72 74 146

Joshua Ssenabulya 73 75 148

Peter Tumusiime 75 74 149

Peter Mayende 70 80 150

Derrick Musaana 73 77 150