Golf: Cwinyaai, Kabasweka claim President's Cup titles

Joseph Cwinyaai beat Andrew Ssekibejja 3&2 (by three holes with two left to play) in the final to win the inaugural edition of the President’s Cup at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Friday.

Cwinyaai, the national team captain, led from start to finish to claim the biggest share (sh1.2m) of the sh6m prize money in the 54-hole (three rounds) competition, combining stroke and match-play rounds.

He led the opening-round stroke play competition with a one-under 71 to qualify for the second round that featured a match-play competition. In the last 16, he eliminated Edgar Muzahura before he saw off Ibra Bagalana and Joseph Akena in the quarter and semis, respectively. On his part, Ssekibejja had stormed the finals without sweat after his would-be opponent, Titus Okwong, failed to show up for the early morning semifinal encounter against him.

In the final, Cwinyaai rode on his experience from similar tournaments in Kenya to prevail over the ‘home boy’ who had a number of his peers from Serena following him.

Joseph Cwinyaai tees off at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, April 25, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

And when he eagled hole 13 to trail by one, there was renewed hope that he had rediscovered his rhythm. But he bogeyed hole 14 and lost 16 to hand the victory to his opponent.

Ssekibejja pocketed sh700,000 for his efforts from the event that is now going to become a permanent fixture on the calendar.

In the ladies’ division, it wasn’t any different, as Uganda’s top female player, Peace Kabasweka, claimed honours with a 4&2 victory over Meron Kyomugisha.

The Uganda Airlines-sponsored Kabasweka had earlier eliminated Gloria Nanyonga before she eliminated Gloria Mbaguta 8&7 in the semis, while Meron Kyomugisha, who had earlier eliminated Harriet Kitaka, edged Martha Babirye, 1UP, in the semis.

Kabasweka said the event gave her good preparation ahead of the Kenya Ladies Open, May 3-5, where she hopes to improve on her sixth place she achieved in 2023.

“This was an interesting format of play, which I had encountered twice before in South Africa and Kenya, and all my rounds were good, and I led all the way through,” Kabasweka said.

“But there was a lot of wind in the last round, and I could approach some holes well, and as you know, you can only play well on this course with a good swing.

“Hole number one tortured me throughout this tournament, and I lost that one, but I won six holes on the front and three on the back to ensure the victory,” Kabasweka stated.

Joseph Louis Luyima, who returned 45 points, was the overall winner in the subsidiary category played on Saturday and walked away with a trophy, a Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve bottle, and a Stanbic Bank Gift Pack.

The guest of honour, Dr. Amos Nzeyi, thanked the private sector and government for the support they have extended towards the growth of golf and sports tourism in the country. Nzeyi, who played in a group alongside Dr Kato Sebbaale, Kin Kariisa, and Dr. Jackson Were, appreciated the involvement of visiting golfers from Rwanda and Kenya, who took part in the event.

The event was sponsored by Stanbic Bank, Taibah Schools, Johnnie Walker, Sciencescope Africa, and the Lake Victoria Serena course.