Smith wins Muema Golf Challenge as it makes a stop-over in Uganda

What started as a round of golf between two friends about ten years ago has grown into a much sought-after event after it finally made its way to the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Saturday.

The Muema Challenge, named after Kenyan amateur golfer Muema Muindi, has been an epic showdown of amateur golfers of all skill levels competing and socialising at different courses like Vipingo and Kipipiri in Kenya.

It is now destined for Rwanda after the Serena leg offered the regional golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania an opportunity to network as they foster regional integration.

Moka Lantum (centre) receives a prize from UBL's Josephine Njoroge (right) at the Lake Victoria Serena, after the Muema Golf Challenge. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The Ugandans have enjoyed bits of it in Kenya, but at Serena it was Kenyan golfer Kevin Smith who claimed the overall honours and sh460,000/- from the ‘day’s casino cash' after he carded 70nett on the day he welcomed the birth of his first granddaughter in the US.

“It’s a complete thrill to be here because I have always heard about Serena and have been wanting to come. This has been probably the greatest golf trip of my life because it is a new course, it is beautiful, and it is fantastic that I have been able to win prizes from here,” Smith said.

“Now that the Ugandans know about the championship, we look forward to greater participation and partnerships as well in the future,” Muema said before he thanked the golfers and partners who made it a success.

The different winners and sponsors' representatives pose with their trophies after the MUEMA Golf Challenge at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

UGU president Jackson Were, welcomed all the visiting golfers and thanked the corporate sponsors—Kenya Airways, Johnnie Walker, and Stanbic Bank—for supporting the event.

Overall winner

Kevin Smith 70nett

Gross winner

Ignatius Twesigye 80

East Africa winner

Marvin Kagoro 70

Division A

Mwai Mbuthia 71

Luke Nyakarahuka 75

Division B

Mathew Nviiri 77

Joyce Kabura 78

First Nine

Jimmy Adiga 35

Moka Lantum 36nett

Second Nine

Gaston Gasore 35

Mark Misumi 36

Longest drive

Ignatius Twesigye

Peace Kabasweka

Nearest to the pin

Luke Nyakarahuka

Daphine Maina