Zambia's Musonda wins Uganda Amateur Golf Open

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Zambian Dominic Musonda carded a nine-under 279 over 72 holes to win the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open at Kitante.

The 22-year-old Nkana Golf Club member and electrical engineering student sank 18 birdies and an eagle over the four rounds to beat compatriot and friend Gilbert Chalwe to the championship by three strokes.

Musonda opened with a level-par 72 and trailed first-round leader Joseph Kasozi by four strokes, but after matching Kasozi's score in the second round, there was no looking back for the Zambian.

He led by six strokes after Thursday's third round and, in the final round on August 28, was at one point 10 strokes ahead of the field. Despite carding seven bogeys in the final round, only Chalwe remained in contention, but his chase was not enough to deny Musonda.

Dominic Musonda celebrates with the Zambian flag after he won the Uganda Open at Kitante on August 28, 2026. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

Musonda had led for three rounds last year before losing to Ugandan Joseph Cwinyaai by three strokes at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

“To be honest, I did not expect to play the way I did. I am grateful I made the most of my third round. I stayed committed to my game plan, focused on each shot, followed my routine, and did everything possible to improve my performance in the third round,” Musonda said.

“I believe I was simply unlucky in the final round, but my caddie and I agreed I should finish strong. That is how I managed four consecutive pars after my seventh bogey on the 14th. Even last year, I felt I had won the tournament but was unfortunate with the ruling.

As a sportsman, I accepted the outcome. This year, I brought my friends, knowing that even if we did not play well, we could support each other on the final day as two players from Zambia.

“During the last two rounds, Gilbert and I supported each other. We agreed that regardless of who won, it would be a victory for Zambia. It feels great to win this tournament for 2026 after finishing second last year,” Musonda stated.

Musonda said it was a big deal for a Zambian to win the Uganda Open and praised his caddie for guiding him around the course. He also praised the Uganda Golf Union for organising the event well and encouraged other amateurs from Zambia and elsewhere to take part.

Musonda is now looking to compete in the Africa Amateur Golf Challenge in Tunisia before defending his Zambian Open title at Lusaka Golf Club.

Defending champion Cwinyaai rallied from the unknown to finish third overall after his best round of the tournament, a two-under 70, propelled him into third with a total of 290.

Kasozi, who had been in contention for the position throughout the day, crumbled on the last hole to slip to fourth, one stroke behind.

Other Ugandans in the top 10 included Lawrence Walakira, who shot a two-under 70 with seven birdies, as well as Joel Okoth, John Musiimenta, Godfrey Kambale and Sande Lulet.

Dominic Musonda celebrates with the overall v trophy after he won the Uganda Open at Kitante on August 28, 2026. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

The only other non-Ugandan in the leading group was Zambian Musamba Kapoma, who tied for fifth place with Musiimenta, Okoth and Walakira.

The highlight of the day came from Ignatious Twesigye, who recorded his first-ever hole-in-one on the fourth hole.

After four tough rounds, the ace made his decision to play in the Open worthwhile. Twesigye used a 50-degree wedge to land the ball right at the bottom of the flag.

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Final Leaderboard (Top 10)

Dominic Musonda (ZAM) 72 68 64 75 279

Gilbert Chalwe (ZAM) 74 65 71 72 282

Joseph Cwinyaai (UG) 73 78 69 70 290

Joseph Kasozi (UG) 68 72 75 76 291

Lawrence Walakira (UG) 71 77 76 70 294

Joel Okoth (UG) 75 73 72 72 294

Musamba Kapoma (ZAM) 73 72 75 74 294

John Musiimenta (UG) 70 72 77 75 294

Godfrey Kambale (UG) 76 79 69 72 296

Sande Lulet (UG) 77 73 73 73 296