Kasango wins nerve-wracking POA Golf Series pros' event in Entebbe

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Grace Kasango delivered a career-best performance to win the second edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series Entebbe leg, finishing 9-under 204 over 54 holes. Leading from start to finish, Kasango secured the title by three strokes over Phillip Kasozi, pocketing the biggest share of the sh27m prize money (sh4.3m).

After an opening round of 4-under 67, Kasango held a three-stroke lead over Ronald Rugumayo and Davis Kato, who each shot 1-under 70. He maintained this margin with a second-round 69, matched by Rugumayo, who stayed in second place.

The third position saw a four-way tie, with Kasozi posting a round-best 67, while Vincent Byamukama and Rodell Gaita each carded 69, as Kato repeated his 1-under 70.

Kasango’s overnight three-shot lead became six after he birdied holes 1, 4 and 5 on the front nine. When he birdied the par-5 hole 11, it all seemed settled, but Kasozi responded with an eagle on the same hole, which he followed with three consecutive birdies on holes 12, 13 and 14. This, combined with his earlier birdies on holes 1 and 5, brought him level with Kasango.

Teeing off at hole 15, the two players were tied on eight-under. The turning point came at hole 16 when Kasango reached the green in regulation and converted a birdie. Kasozi missed the green on the right, chipped on, but failed to save par. The resulting bogey left him two strokes behind with two holes to play.

There was further drama on hole 17 when Kasango dropped a stroke, leaving Kasozi within one shot heading into the final hole. Kasozi found the fairway with his drive, but Kasango responded calmly with a solid tee shot of his own. On the second shot, Kasozi landed in a bunker, while Kasango hit the green, effectively sealing the contest.

Kasozi failed to get up and down, remaining in the bunker on his first attempt, and by the time he reached the green, he was lying four. Kasango then secured victory with a birdie, narrowly missing an eagle putt, while Kasozi settled for a bogey.

Grace Kasango is showered by his fans after he won the POA Entebbe leg, April 4, 2026. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

Kasango thus claimed his first win in Entebbe, having recorded 17 birdies and eight bogeys over the three rounds. It was his fifth career victory since turning professional in 2021.

“Every time you trust in yourself, things can happen on the course. And practice also counts. The more you practice, the more you gain,” Kasango said.

“From the opening round, I was driving well, and my short game was working well, so I stuck to the same routine. It was a bit tough in the last round, but I managed to control the temple. I also played in many events in Kenya and Rwanda last year, which also helped to shape me into a better player. I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors of this event for giving us the opportunity to play," Kasango stated.

Grace Kasango (2nd left) receives his trophyfrom EXim Bank's Robert Mpuuga as POA chairman Edward Nyatia (2nd right) and UGU president Jackson Were cheer on after the POA Entebbe leg, April 4, 2026. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

Kasango and several other Ugandan professionals will now head to Kenya to compete in the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing tournaments, among other events, before the Kampala and Lugazi Pearl of Africa events later in the year.

Robert Mpuuga, the head of treasury at Exim Bank, who represented the managing director Edward Kanyike, presided over the function alongside Uganda Golf Union president Jackson Were, Pearl of Africa chairman Edward Nyakia, and organiser Julie Anena.

Mpuuga said their sponsorship is not just about supporting a wonderful sporting event but is also aligned with their vision for Uganda’s economic future.

“The Pearl of Africa Golf Series is far more than a tournament. It is a powerful platform for ‘selling Uganda’ to the world. Through this series, we bring together business leaders, investors, diplomats, high-net-worth individuals, and golf enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

“On these pristine fairways and greens, conversations happen naturally—conversations that highlight Uganda’s immense potential: our breathtaking landscapes, our strategic location as the heart of East Africa, our stable and investor-friendly policies, our growing infrastructure, and the endless opportunities in agriculture, tourism, energy, manufacturing, and technology,” he stated.

The Pearl of Africa event, whose rise has been rapid since its launch last January, was supported by Case Hospital, Aquafina, Home Bliss, MTN, Vivo Energy, Exim Bank, Entebbe Club, and the Uganda Golf Union.