Cwinyaai, Kyomugisha toast to Kinyara Golf Open wins in Masindi
It was an emphatic win for Cwinyaai, who beat his nearest rival, Abdullah Kakooza, this time by eight strokes, unlike in 2023 when he just edged him by two strokes.
Kinyara Sugar Golf Open organising committtee chairman Sreekkanth Saran Garajan (right) presents the overall winners trophy to the ladies top player Meron Kyomugisha after the Kinyara Golf Open in Masindi, November 15, 2025. (Photos by Michael Nsubuga)
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National team captain Joseph Cwinyaai kept up his perfect season by taking first place and winning his fifth Kinyara Golf Open championship in Masindi.
After missing last year’s championship, Cwinyaai came back strong to claim his fifth and sixth wins of the World Amateur Golf Ranking tournaments this season during the 27th edition of the event, held on the par-71, nine-hole course.
He also has three other wins from unranked events, bringing his victories to 15 from last year.
It was an emphatic win for Cwinyaai, who beat his nearest rival, Abdullah Kakooza, this time by eight strokes, unlike in 2023 when he just edged him by two strokes.
The Tooro Club-bred golfer and this year’s Uganda Open champion, who is currently ranked 212th in the official World Amateur Golf Rankings, opened with a 1-under 70, which he followed with a level-par 71 before wrapping up the championship with a 2-over 73.
He notched nine birdies and 13 bogeys, with the rest pars, over the three rounds to take home the lion’s share of sh4m prize money.
On his part, Kakooza recorded seven birdies, 14 bogies, with the rest as his chess for his maiden win in Masindi continues. Juma Abiti finished third overall, having carded 224, while Lawrence Walakira and Dominic Musoke finished joint-fourth with 226 each.
“This is home away from home because the course has similar features to my home course in Fort Portal, so it becomes easy for me to win from here. Whenever I show up here, no one can match me because it is like playing at home,” Cwinyaai said.
“I strategised well by playing on regulation and aiming for pars, and my putting was good because I managed 12 birdies and 14 bogeys over the three rounds, which made it excellent for me on an away course like this.
“I'm now experienced in this game, and if I don't win, I can blame anyone apart from myself because I have had a good run of form this year, having won back-to-back events, so I can't wait to continue pushing this into other events,” he stated.
Cwinyaai has enjoyed a stellar season since he competed in the DP World Tour Magical Kenya Open in February.
“It has been an awesome year for me; winning eight events is no mere feat, so that gives me more courage that I'm capable. Kudos to the sponsors who have ensured the tournament is continuously held because that is the only way these upcountry clubs can survive,” Cwinyaai stated.
Meron Kyomugisha, who last won the event in 2019, topped the gross ladies category with a gross of 234 over the three rounds, finishing seven strokes ahead of Martha Babirye, who returned 241.
Despite winning by eight over par, Kyomugisha said she was excited about the win, since her score won her the tournament. I didn’t want to get an 80 in my scores.
“The game was perfect. The experience I gained from the Kenya Great Rift Valley Lodge course with the national team was decisive for me winning this championship. So, I just carried that experience to Kinyara and perfected my game,” Kyomugisha, who last won the event in 2021, said.
Drawing to a close on November 14, this was the fourth Kinyara Open Championship win for Kyomugisha, following earlier victories in 2014, 2015, and 2021.
“My second round was the best because I had three birdies and added two birdies in the final round to wrap it up. I was sure of winning this one because I was coming from a tougher tournament. This year’s event has been perfect, the organisation is very good, the course is in better shape, and the greens were much better,” Kyomugisha stated.
Group A winner Dennis Aguma (center) receives his prize from LIASON Group's Saraj Siryowe as Kinyara Golf Club captain Moses Enzama looks on. 
The amateurs will now sharpen their irons for the back-to-back tournament in the Kakira Open in Jinja and the Namulonge Ladies Open in a few weeks.
“This year’s edition has seen an outstanding turnout this year, with more than 170 skilled golfers taking to the course and delivering an exciting showcase of talent and competition,” said Ravi Ramalingam, the Kinyara Sugar Ltd chief executive officer at the tee-off ceremony.
Kinyara Sugar annually teams up with LIASON, MUA, Old Mutual, Goldstar, Sanlam Allianz, and ICEA to organise one of the best rewarding tournaments for both amateur and professional golfers.
Top five pros
David Kamulindwa 72 66 138
Grace Kasango 70 73 143
Marvin Kibirige 66 78 144
Abraham Ainamani 75 70 145
Canary Kabise 79 69 148
Top five amateurs
Joseph Cwinyaai 70 71 73 214
Abdullah Kakooza 72 73 77 222
Juma Abiti 77 71 76 224
Lawrence Walakira 77 79 70 226
Christopher Basaliza 76 76 75 227
Top five amateur ladies
Meron Kyomugisha 77 78 79 234
Martha Babirye 80 84 77 241
Lillian Koowe 86 78 78 242
Joyce Kisembo 79 94 83 256
Joan Nampeewo 92 83 87 262
Subsidiary Category
Group A
Dennis Aguma 65nett
Henry Byaruhanga 67
Simon Ojobile 71
Group B
Stephen Baguma 65
Stephen Oribi 69
Alex Chono 77
Group C
Edmond Tayebwa 61
Evaristo Lwate 70
Steven Bayo 70
Group A-Ladies
Charity Atuhaire 79
Bridget Basiima 82
Gloria Nakato 91
Group B
Vicky Oyom 57nett
Viola Ayebare 67
Angelina Tendo 68
Seniors Men
C.D Langoya 72nett
Noah Kasumba 75
Grace Obua
Seniors Ladies
Grace Obua 90
Longest drive
Simon Onandra
Nasabu Namulondo
Nearest to the pin
Mike Andama
Nasabu Namulondo
Piga Mingi
Alfred Data 111nett