Mwanja retains Pepsi Independence golf title at Palm Valley

The overall winners of the Pepsi Independence golf tournament Becca Mwanja (2nd left) receives the overall winners' trophy from Crown Beverages Chairman Amos Nzeyi (2nd right) as Minister for Karamoja John Byabagambi (left) and Martha Babirye look on after the tournament at Palm Valley Golf & Country Club. PHOTOS: Michael Nsubuga

Kampala golfer Becca Mwanja returned 41 stable ford points to win the 10th edition of the Pepsi Independence Golf Tournament at the Palm Valley Golf and Country Club on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old national team player beat Collins Ajidra who returned the same points on count-back to win the annual event back to back having won it last year with the same score.

Mwanja registered 8 birdies and 3 bogeys en-route to winning himself a weekend stay and dinner for two at Sheraton Hotel, a trophy, a Mukwano hamper and a 49 inch flat screen.

"I was under a lot of pressure to defend it but the course was too short for me. It is a dream come true to win this championship again. I would like to thank Lydia Mutesi for the support and to Denis Anguyo and other professionals who have guided me in this journey," Mwanja said.

The various winners from the Pepsi Independence golf tournament pose with their trophies

The ladies category was won by Martha Babirye who was competing in Kakungulu for the first time.

"I'm now handicap 5 which has pushed me to work hard. I just decided to put my head down and played the course as it was and managed to win. I would like to thank the sponsors for inviting me to play at Palm Valley," Babirye said.

For her efforts she won a Vinotherapy Massage at the Sheraton, a Mukwano Hamper and 49'' TV as well.

It was all fun on the ‘19th hole' as Steve Keys and his band, Naava Grey and Cindy entertained the guests who took turns to dance with them.

 Musician Cindy entertains guests after the Independence golf tournament at Palm Valley

The tournament was co-sponsored by Sheraton, ICEA, Johnnie Walker, Clarkson Insuarance, Stanbic Bank, Case Hospital, cba, Job Connect and Mukwano (Aqua Sipi) among others.

Pepsi Independence golf results

Overall winners

Men: Becca Mwanja 41pts

Ladies: Martha Babirye 33pts

Group A

Collins Ajidra 41pts

Michael Tumusiime 40

Bashir Badu 37

Group B

Richard Lutwama 33

Michael Monne 31c/b

Peter Apell 31

Group C

Gier Chuang 38

Dickson vd Breggen 31

Eddy Choi 30

Ladies

Group A

Eva Magala 38pts

Peace Kabasweka 26

Irene Nakalembe 25

Group B

Annette Kiconco 22

Grace Kabonero 21c/b

Wendy Angudeyo 21

Longest drive

Men: Michael Tumusiime

Ladies: Irene Nakalembe

Nearest to the Pin

Men: Fred Kimbugwe

Ladies: Connie Mukuru