Ssekibejja rediscovers winning touch with Kabalaza victory

Andrew Ssekibejja aims to build on his Kabalaza Golf Championship victory to achieve more wins and improved performances this year.

The national team player and 2022 Uganda Open champion posted a 4-over 217 over 54 holes to win the third Kabalaza Championship, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event at Entebbe Club. Ssekibejja, representing Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, plays off a 0.4 handicap and is ranked 1812th in the world.

He edged out Joel Okoth and John Musimenta, who tied for second with 218, by one stroke to secure the largest share of the sh7m prize pool, earning sh1.68m.

Herbert Kamuntu (2nd left) and Faith Namara (2nd right) pose with Shyaka Stephen Gashaija (right) the MP-elect for Entebbe Municipality after the Kabalaza Golf Championship at Entebbe Club, February 7, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

It was his first win since he won the Uganda Open at his home course in 2022. He opened with a 2-over 73, which he followed with a 2-under 69 before finishing with a tough 75.

“I performed well, particularly in the second round, and I gave my best effort,” Ssekibejja said.

“This is a significant achievement in my career. I have pursued first place in various tournaments, both locally and internationally, often finishing second, third, or within the top five.

“In 2026, my goal is to return to the top. While I do not expect to win every time, I aim to consistently place in the top five by maintaining my current strategy. To win today, I focused on playing within regulation and staying calm throughout the competition. This approach has been very effective for me and I want to replicate it in more tournaments,” Ssekibejja stated.

Anthony Otukei (220), Paul Habyarimana (221), Godfrey Kambale (229), Joseph Kanonera (223), Dominic Musoke (223), Cosmas Ociti (224), Amon Bwambale (225), and Derrick Musana (225) completed the top ten, all of whom partook of the sh7m prize money.

The different winners from the Kabalaza championship pose with their trophies after the tournament at Entebbe Club, February 7, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

In the ladies’ division, Martha Babirye secured first place with a score of 28-over 241 across three rounds, finishing one stroke ahead of Judith Komugisha. Joyce Kisembo (245), Lillian Koowe (246), and Harsshitha Loganathan (249) placed third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

“I didn’t play well over the three rounds. I’m happy for the win but disappointed with my scores because I have been travelling a lot, but I hope to settle down and mentally prepare for the coming events, starting with the upcoming Entebbe Ladies Open,” Babirye said.

Earlier in the professional’s sh10m prize money event, it was Phillip Kasozi who topped the event with a winning score of 2-under 140 over 36 holes, beating Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi and Silver Opio (141), who tied for second by one stroke. He pocketed sh2.4m, while Mutebi took home sh1.6m. David Kamulindwa (142) and Rodell Gaita finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Grace Kasango, Abraham Ainamani, Samuel Kato, Emma Ogwang, Irene Nakalembe, and Abbey Bagalana completed the top ten who took home something from the kitty.

The event sponsored by the members of the club and well-wishers has since its inception evolved into a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event for elite amateurs, both men and ladies. The event was played under the theme of "Golf with a Purpose." The golfers raised over sh20m for the refurbishment of the Caddy shade and their sanitary facilities as the CSR project attached to this year’s event.

Subsidiary results

Overall winners

Herbert Kamuntu 43pts

Faith Namara 44

Group A

Collins Nuwagira 40

Luke Nyakarahuka 38c/b

Morris Ongwech 38

Group B

Francis Mukonyezi 40c/b

Harry Hakiza 40c/b

Geofrey Ojok Odur 40

Group C

Bryan Kivumbi 41c/b

Ivan Ssetimba 41

Michael Kabango 40c/b

Ladies Group A

Evelyn Atukunda 37pts

Rita Apell 34

Nerima Shaminah 33

Group B

Edrae Kagombe 42

Pamela Tumusiime 41

Ruth Akello 38

Juniors

Peter Mayende

Harshittha Loganathan

Seniors

Steven Kitamirike 40

Susan Knight 40

Longest drive

Juma Abiti

Judith Komugisha

Nearest to the pin

Bryan Kivumbi