Akena wins the President’s Cup Golf Tournament in Entebbe

Joseph Reagan Akena of Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club defeated Samuel Bazaale of Entebbe Club 4&3 to win the second President’s Cup golf tournament at Entebbe Club on Saturday.

Akena received the largest share of the sh10 million prize, earning sh2 million, while Bazaale took home sh1.8 million. In the semifinals, Akena defeated Amon Bwambale 1UP, and Bazaale beat Godfrey Kambale 2UP. Semifinalists each received sh1.4 million, and quarterfinalists Lawrence Walakira, Abdallah Kakooza, Juma Abiti, and Edgar Muzahura each earned sh850,000.

“It wasn’t easy winning. I had to maintain the momentum I started with. The opening holes were close, and he led on hole 4. I made only one birdie, which shows how challenging this format is. Success depends more on confidence than on the number of birdies. I gained from his errors on holes 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14,” said Akena, who won five of the 15 holes played.

The outstanding players from the President's Cup tournament pose with their prizes alongside NCS Assisitant General Secretary-Techinical Milton Chebet and UGU president Jackson Were and Entebbe Club chairman Jacob Byamukama (standing center) after the tournament at Entebbe Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

He added that his opening qualifying round of 1-under 70 gave him the confidence to compete.

“I have struggled to start well in past events, so that score gave me a boost. I wasn’t playing my best today, but I stuck to my strategy of keeping the ball on the fairway and playing on regulation.”

Peace Kabasweka won the ladies’ category with a 6&5 victory over Meron Kyomugisha, earning sh1.05 million, while Kyomugisha received sh850,000. Kabasweka had previously eliminated Winnie Musuya 4&2, and Kyomugisha beat Lillian Koowe 1UP. Musuya and Koowe each received sh600,000.

A major highlight was Bazaale’s elimination of pre-tournament favourite and defending champion Joseph Cwinyaai in the round of 16. Bazaale defeated Uganda’s top amateur golfer 4&3, causing the tournament’s biggest upset. Cwinyaai had led the opening stroke-play round with a one-under 70, tied with Akena, while Bazaale narrowly made the cut with an 8-over 79 before advancing to the final. The tournament began with a stroke-play round for all participants. The top 16 golfers then advanced to the match-play round of 16, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, all under the match-play format.

NCS Assistant General Secretary-Techinical Milton Chebet (left) and UGU president Jackson Were (center) reward Peace Kabasweka after the presidents cup tournament at Entebbe Club, April 25, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

In the subsidiary event, Alex Couthino (38 points) led men’s Group A, ahead of Jude Ochieng (36 points), who beat Brian Mugisha on count-back. Geoffrey Byamugisha (39 points) led Group B, with James Abiria and Ronald Pulle also carding 39 points. Eric Kawere scored 39 points, finishing ahead of Alvin Muhimbura (38 points) and Herbert Musinguzi (37 points).

Berna Musanabera excelled in the ladies’ category, winning Group A with 34 points ahead of Joweria Namanda and Rita Apell, and also claimed the longest drive and nearest to the pin prizes. Florence Namuganza (40 points), Eva Asasira (36 count-back), and Phionah Namanya (36 points) were also recognised. Alex Craig Muwanguzi and Edward Okech won the nearest and longest drive awards, while Maxi Byenkya (34 points) and Charles Kabunga (37 points) were named best seniors.

Guest of honour Milton Chebet, NCS Assistant General Secretary, encouraged the UGU to restore and establish golf courses across the country and to promote junior golf. The three-day event was sponsored by Aquafina, Biomedics Products, Case Medical, Medisell, Mighty Rides, MTN Momo, Prudential, Taibah Schools, and Trackers Safari Lodge.