Cwinyaai claims Kilembe Open in dramatic tie-break finish
The event, played on East Africa’s longest course (par 73), marked a major comeback for Kilembe Golf Club.
Joseph Cwinyaai watches the trajectory of his shot during the Kilembe Open, held July 26 at Kilembe. Photo by Silvano Kibuuka
By Silvano Kibuuka
Journalists @New Vision
Joseph Cwinyaai emerged victorious at the revived Kilembe Open Golf Tournament, edging rising star Mackinnon Masereka by a single stroke in a thrilling four-hole tie-break after both finished with 219 over three days.
The event, played on East Africa’s longest course (par 73), marked a major comeback for Kilembe Golf Club.
Cwinyaai praised his young rival: “Masereka pushed me to draw on years of experience—he’s national material in the making.”
Kilembe Golf Club chairman Ronald Kwikiriza (right) and Hima Cement's Phillimon Mubiru present a cash prize of sh1.7m to Joseph Cwinyaai, winner of the inaugural Kilembe Open. Photo by Silvano Kibuuka
In the women's category, Lilian Koowe claimed the title over Tooro Club’s Janet Kabayonga on technical grounds after a tie at 272 and three sudden-death holes.
The amateurs’ prize pool included sh6m split among 10 men and sh2m shared by five women.
Professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo returned to his childhood course, shooting 70 (3-under).
“I salute the effort to restore Kilembe. I’m now a registered member.”
Kilembe was officially named the fourth venue for the 2026 Pearl of Africa Series (POA), joining Kitante, Entebbe, and Lugazi. Local chairman Ronald Kwikiriza highlighted the club’s ambitions, citing recent improvements like a self-driven mower funded by an Sh86m campaign.
Joseph Cwinyaai (foreground) walks off the course after edging Mackinnon Masereka in a dramatic playoff at the Kilembe Open, held July 26 at Kilembe. Photo by Silvano Kibuuka
“We want to position this region as a global golf tourism hub. With 80 million golfers abroad, our course can be a wild yet world-class experience,” said Kwikiriza.
Despite the enthusiasm, players urged the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) to help upgrade the greens to meet standards for future tournaments like the Uganda Open.
Kilembe Open Golf Top Winners
Overall men
1. Joseph Cwinyaai 219 gross
2. Mackinnon Masereka 219
3. Habib Kisande 225
Women
1. Lilian Koowe 272
2. Janet Kabayonga 272
Group Winner’s Men
A- Henry Byarunga 65 Net
B- Gerald Birungi 76
C- Hillary Mutooro 65
Women
A- Gorret Kabawheza 66 Net
B- Viola Ayebor 60
Junior Winner’s:
Boys
Gross: Derick Thembo 71
Net: Hassan Mbayah 45
Girls
Gross: Linnet Mbambu 53
Net: Hailah Mbayah 21 net
Longest Drive: Gerald Birungi