Cwinya-ai, Kabasweka anchor Uganda's Africa Amateur Championship squad
Cwinya-ai, who is competing in the tournament for the third time, said, “I want to have a better finish. My target is to work hard to finish in the top 15. But I also want to be the top performer among the East Africans who will be competing.”
Joseph Cwinyaai follows the flight of his ball off the 17th tee box during the second round. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)
________________
Uganda has named a nine-player team for the Africa Amateur Golf Championship scheduled for February 4 to 7 at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course in South Africa.
The team comprises seven men and two women, who will represent the country at the continental tournament that attracts top amateur golfers from across Africa. The championship is fully sponsored by the R&A, which will cover travel, accommodation and meals for all participants in Johannesburg.
The men’s team includes Joseph Cwinya-ai, Joseph Reagan Akena, Joseph Kasozi, Titus Okwong, Abdallah Kakooza, Elton Thembo and Lawrence Walakira. Peace Kabasweka and Meron Kyomugisha will compete in the women’s category.
Team selection was based on the World Amateur Golf Ranking as of October 29, 2025.
The men’s championship will feature 72 golfers competing in a four-day stroke play event, with a cut after 36 holes. The women’s field will consist of 21 players contesting a 54-hole tournament with no cut.
Should Kabasweka or Kyomugisha win the women’s title, they will earn exemptions to the 2026 Johannesburg Ladies Open. The men’s champion will qualify for the Investec South African Open Championship, the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions and the 2026 Alfred Dunhill Championship.
All golfers will caddy for themselves during the championship, placing additional physical and mental demands on the players.
Cwinya-ai, who is competing in the tournament for the third time, said, “I want to have a better finish. My target is to work hard to finish in the top 15. But I also want to be the top performer among the East Africans who will be competing.”
Although he has not previously played at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course, Cwinya-ai believes, based on feedback, that Leopard Creek in Mpumalanga, where the championship was held last year, was more challenging.
The Uganda Golf Union facilitated visas and organised practice logistics for the team. Union president Jackson Were expressed confidence in the golfers, saying, “As the Union, we have a feeling that our SA-bound golfers will give pride to our flag.”
The team travelled on today, Sunday, to acclimatise and prepare through practice rounds ahead of the championship.