2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series (Gross Category) | Final Leaderboard – Top 15

• Leader: John Musiimenta – 65, 77, 76 (218)
• 2: Sande Lulet – 75, 76, 71 (222)
• 3: Morris Ashaba – 76, 77, 73 (226)
• 4: Isaac Holy Ogwal – 76, 80, 74 (230)
• T5: Joseph Kasozi – 80, 74, 77 (231)
• T5: Ashvin Kananathan – 79, 76, 76 (231)
• T7: Amon Bwambale – 75, 77, 80 (232)
• T7: Hassan Kiyemba – 75, 79, 78 (232)
• T7: Juma Abiti – 76, 80, 76 (232)
• T7: Meron Kyomugisha – 75, 79, 78 (232)
• T7: Asuman Tumwesigye – 81, 74, 77 (232)
• T12: Lawrence Walakira – 74, 82, 77 (233)
• T12: Abdul Kakeeto – 77, 78, 78 (233)
• T12: Joseph Kanolera – 73, 86, 74 (233)
• T12: Brain Mmande – 80, 76, 77 (233)

John Musiimenta was crowned the first-ever Pearl of Africa (POA) Golf Series winner in the gross category at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kitante, Kampala.

After three rounds (54 holes), the national team player returned a 2-over 218 gross score to climax the Kampala leg.

Musiimenta’s flawless opening round of 7-under 65 propelled him to this victory.

Even when he back-trotted during the second day with 5-over 77 and 4-over 76 in the third round, Musiimenta still managed to win the series with a 4-stroke advantage over second-placed Sande Lulet.

“It was a perfect championship,” Musiimenta said after holing out. “The brilliant start during the opening round pushed me hard. I thank my fellow players, my parents, my caddy and the organizers of the Pearl of Africa Golf series. This is a worthy championship to play,” he added.

Lulet opened with 3-over 75, then played 4-over 76 and a 1-under 71 in the final round for a combined 6-over 222 gross total.

Morris Ashaba came in third with 76, 77, 73 (226), followed by Isaac Holy Ogwal with 76, 80, 74 (230). Joseph Kasozi and Ashvin Kananathan each scored 231 to tie for joint fifth.

Five golfers share the joint 7^th position with 232 scores apiece; Amon Bwambale, Hassan Kiyemba, Juma Abiti, Meron Kyomugisha and Asuman Tumwesigye.

The top 15 positions are filled with the quartet of Lawrence Walakira, Abdul Kakeeto, Joseph Kanolera and Brain Mmande with 233 gross scores each.

Match Summary

• Uganda 249/9 in 50 Overs (Raghav Dhawan 85, Riazat Ali Shah 49, Robinson Obuya 43; Imran Khan 3/46, Imran Anwar 2/40)
• Bahrain 197 all out in 44.1 Overs (Asif Ali 83, Sohail Ahmed 43; Juma Miyagi 4/53, Cosmas Kyewuta 2/26, Bilal Hassan 2/42)

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes showcased exceptional skill and determination to secure a 52-run win against Bahrain in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

The victory propels Uganda to the top of the league standings with 11 points, ahead of Italy and Hong Kong China, who each have 9 points.

Bahrain won the toss and asked Uganda to bat first. The Cricket Cranes posted a competitive total of 249 for a loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

The innings were anchored by a stellar performance from Raghav Dhawan, who scored 85 runs off 105 balls, including 11 boundaries. Team captain Riazat Ali Shah contributed 49 runs, while opener Robinson Obuya added 43 runs to set a solid foundation. Late contributions from Alpesh Ramjani (20 not out) and Fred Achelam (17) further bolstered the team’s total.

In response, Bahrain’s innings faltered early due to a formidable bowling display by Uganda’s young opening bowler Juma Miyaji who was instrumental in dismantling the top order, claiming 4 wickets for 53 runs.

The other pacemen in the side Cosmas Kyewuta and Bilal Hassan supported with two wickets each, while Dinesh Nakrani picked one as Bahrain was bowled out for 197 runs in 44.1 overs.

This win not only underscores Uganda’s continued dominance in the three-legged tournament but also highlights the team’s collective effort and strategic prowess in this particular match as Bahrain looked poised to make an upset as Asif Ali (83) and Sohail Ahmed (43) were stuck in for a while until the departure of the former caused a collapse.

The Cricket Cranes are now focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare to face Singapore on Monday, February 10, 2025.

2^nd Round (Gross Category)

• Leader: John Musiimenta – 65, 77 (142)
• Runners up: Ronny Okoti – 72, 77 (149)
• T3: Ibrahim Ssemakula – 73, 78 (151)
• T3: Sande Lulet – 75, 76 (151)
• 5: Amon Bwambale – 75, 77 (152)
• 6: Morris Ashaba – 76, 77 (153)
• T7: Hassan Kiyemba – 75, 79 (154)
• T7: Joseph Kasozi – 80, 74 (154)
• T7: Meron Kyomugisha – 75, 79 (154)
• T10: Abdul Kakeeto – 77, 78 (155)
• T10: Ashvin Kananathan – 79, 76 (155)
• T10: Asuman Tumwesigye – 81, 74 (155)

John Musiimenta maintained his top spot on the leaderboard despite a challenging day two of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series played at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kampala on Thursday.

Musiimenta, despite playing 5-over-77 on day two, still has a 7-shot lead, as he did after the opening round as second-placed Ronny Okoti, also played 5-over-77 during round two.

Ibrahim Ssemakula and Sande Lulet are tied in third place with a joint 151 score over 36 holes.

Amon Bwambale (152), Morris Ashaba (153), Hassan Kiyemba (154), Joseph Kasozi (154), Abdul Kakeeto (155), Ashvin Kananathan (155) and Asuman Tumwesigye (155) are the top 12 after two rounds.

Day Three will be played on Friday, 7^th February 2025 and the tournament will climax on Saturday,

The gross players are playing for a cash kitty of Ugx 5,000,000 among the outstanding crop.

Meanwhile, Marvin Kibirige leads the professional cluster with 4-under-140 after 36 holes. David Kamulindwa (142) is two shots behind Kibirige. Deo Akope and Ronald Rugumayo are both tied in third place with 145.

The professionals’ total prize fund is Ugx 20,000,000.

2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series (Kampala Leg):

2^nd Round (Professional Category)

• Leader: Marvin Kibirge – 68, 72 (140)
• Runners up: David Kamulindwa – 71, 71 (142)
• T3: Deo Akope – 71, 74 (145)
• T3: Ronald Rugumayo – 68, 77 (145)
• T5: Opio Onito – 76, 70 (146)
• T5: Tadeo Rodell Gaita – 70, 76 (146)
• 7: Irene Nakalembe – 71, 76 (147)
• T8: Grace Kasango – 77, 71 (148)
• T8: Samuel Kato – 74, 74 (148)
• T8: Phillip Kasozi – 72, 76 (148)

Marvin Kibirige maintained leadership in the professional category of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series opener after two rounds at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kitante, Kampala.

Kibirige who shared the day one leadership tag with Ronald Rugumayo as they scored 3-under-68 after the opening 18 holes opened a two-shot lead after returning 72 on day 2.

Kibirge’s scorecard read 4 birdies (on holes 8, 11, 14 and 18), 10 pars (on holes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 16) as well as 4 bogies (on holes 2, 4, 15 and 17).

David Kamulindwa is second placed having returned an identical 71 on the opening two rounds.

Deo Akope and overnight leader Ronald Rugumayo have each scored 145 in 36 holes.

Opio Onito and Tadeo Rodell Gaita (146 gross) tie for 5^th.

The only lady professional Irene Nakalembe (147) is 7^th on the leaderboard.

Three golfers Grace Kasango, Samuel Kato and Phillip Kasozi are all tied for 8^th position.

Twenty-four professionals made the cut and will proceed to the two last rounds (third and fourth) to partake in the share of the Ugx 20,000,000 kitty.

2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series (Kampala Leg):

1^st Round (Gross Category)

• Leader: John Musiimenta – 65
• Runners up: Ronny Okoti – 72
• T3: Ibrahim Ssemakula – 73
• T3: Joseph Kanolera – 73

John Musiimenta was in fine form during the opening round of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala on Wednesday.

Musimenta scored a stunning 7-under 65 to command the gross field.

Musiimenta played a bogy free round with 7 birdies (on holes 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 16, and 17) and 11 pars (on holes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18).

“Happy for the round played. I approached the course with caution and I want to maintain the status quo until the final round,” Musiimenta remarked.

Ronny Okoti completed the 18 holes with a course-level score of 72, a shot better than Ibrahim Ssemakula and Joseph Kanolera who were tied for third with 73.

Lawrence Walakira completed the top five on the leaderboard with 2-over 74.

Amon Bwambale (75), Sande Lulet (75), Hassan Kiyemba (75), Peter Tumusiime (75) and the long-hitting lady golfer Meron Kyomugisha (75) are all in the top ten.

There will be four rounds to be played with a cash kitty of Shs 5,000,000 among the outstanding crop.

Meanwhile, Ronald Rugumayo and Marvin Kibirige lead the professionals’ category with a joint 3-under score of 68.

The professionals’ total prize fund is Shs 20,000,000.

The inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf series will be played at three different courses in Kampala, Entebbe and climaxing in Lugazi.

Each of the legs will be played over four rounds (72 holes’ action) for both the professionals and the gross category players.

Uganda’s Gazelles bounced back from defeat to Egypt with a resounding 83-69 win over South Sudan at the Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Jane Asinde was the star of the show at Hassan Moustafa Hall in Cairo pouring in a tournament 28 points to go with 9 rebounds.

After a balanced start to the game that saw the sides exchange early baskets, the Gazelles started to pull away and led by 10 points (27-17) after the opening ten minutes.

South Sudan shone early in the second quarter putting Uganda under pressure as they cut the deficit to 3 points (30-27) but Shakira Nanvubya’s 3-pointer swung the momentum back to Gazelles’ favour closing out the quarter leading by 19 (50-31).

Unlike the first half, the Ugandans never allowed South Sudan to have a spark throughout the third period as Asinde, Hope Akello (12 points, 9 rebounds) and Claire Lamunu (7 points) responded to every run.

Despot playing more of a facilitator role, Paige Robinson finished with 14 points to go with 4 assists and as many rebounds.

Shakirah Nanvubya who set the tone early from beyond the arc netted 14 points and handed out 4 assists.

Meanwhile, Delica Washington who played all 40 minutes led South Sudan with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in a losing effort.

Aduk Bulgak (14 points, 8 rebounds), Rose Akon (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Pidor Teny (10 points) also scored in double figures for South Sudan.

2025 Kabalaza Golf Championship (Professionals)

• Winner: Ronald Ruguamyo – 69, 68 (137)
• T2: David Kamulindwa – 68, 70 (138)
• T2: Grace Kasango – 69, 69 (138)
• T4: Saidi Mawa – 72, 69 (141)
• T4: Abraham Ainamani – 68, 73 (141)
• T6: Davis Kato – 73, 71 (144)
• T6: Deo Akope – 72, 72 (144)
• T6: Samuel Kato – 73, 71 (144)

Ronald Rugumayo, currently Uganda’s top professional golf player, won the season opener – Kabalaza Golf Open Championship in Entebbe.

Mayo, as he is known in golf circles, scored 5-under 137 (gross) in the 36-hole action played over two days at the lakeside course.

Rugumayo opened the first round with 2-under 69 before bettering his score by a stroke on the second day of action with 3-under-68.

Meanwhile, David Kamulindwa and Grace Kasango tied for second place with 4-under 138 gross in 36 holes.

Saidi Mawa and Abraham Ainamani each tied on 141 whilst the trio of Davis Kato, Deo Akope and Samuel Kato managed to make the cut with 2-over-144.

The top prize fund for all the golfers above the cut line was Shs 6,000,000.

Missed Cut

Nasser Mackie, Silver Opio, Tadeo Rodell Gaita, Bulhan Matovu, Deco Mutebi, Emma Ogwang, Peter Sendawula, Vincent Byamukama, Adolf Muhumuza, Ashraf Bagalana, Ronald Bukenya, Marvin Kibirige, James Koto, Herman Mutawe, Ronald Otile, Abbey Bagalana, Henry Lujja, Tom Jingo and Richard Baguma are some pros that missed the cut.

Meanwhile, Ivan J. Sekulima won the gross cluster with +8 (221) in 54 holes.

Anthony Otukei played second fiddle with 222 with the duo of Andrew Ssekibejja and Joseph Cwinya-ai tying in third place on 223 gross apiece.

The gross players played for Shs. 5,000,000.

Kampala Hockey Swans are set to represent Uganda at the prestigious Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC).

The team qualified for the ACCC following their impressive victory in the 2024 National Hockey League held at Lugogo, the home of hockey in Uganda.

“The team is incredibly proud of its accomplishments and is excited to represent Uganda at this highly competitive tournament,” said Vanessa Abeja, Team Captain of the Kampala Hockey Swans.

Games will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from January 30th to February 7th, 2025, bringing together the continent’s top hockey clubs.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the players and coaching staff to our supporters,” Abeja added.

The Kampala Hockey Swans have been diligently preparing for the ACCC, with intense training sessions and strategic planning guided by their coaching team.

The team is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level and is eager to make a mark at the tournament.

“Participating in the ACCC is a valuable opportunity to gain exposure, experience, and recognition on a major stage,” notes Jordan Michael Mpiima, the Coach of the Kampala Swans.

After weeks of training, the She Cranes’ final squad for the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup scheduled to take place from February 1-9 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham and Copper Box Arena in London, England has been revealed.

The team will depart on Wednesday ahead of the four-team tournament. England, South Africa, and Malawi are the opponents.

Fildauce Namuleme, Sylvia Nanyonga, Lilian Achola, Malisera Akello, Deborah Nakijoba, and Barbara Namukaaya have been dropped while youngster Joan Ryekoboth makes the cut.

Privas Kayeny, Mutesi Nassim, Penelope Amiya and Hindu Namutebi are the other fresh faces on the team.

Star shooter Mary Nuba will join the team directly from her Australian where she features for Queensland Firebirds.

She Cranes final squad

Shooters – Christine Namulumba (Prisons), Rachael Nanyonga (NIC), Irene Eyaru (KCCA), Mary Nuba Cholhok (Queensland Firebirds)

Middle Court – Joan Ryekoboth (St Mary’s Kitende), Hindu Namutebi (Police), Margaret Baagala (NIC), Penelope Amiya (NIC)

Defenders – Sandra Nambirige (NIC), Gloria Aya (NIC), Nasim Mutesi (NIC), Hanisha Muhameed (KCCA), Privas Kayeny (NIC)

Head Coache – Rashid Mubiru

Assistant Coach – Ruth Meeme

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes are set to depart today for Hong Kong ahead of the second leg of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B scheduled for 4th-16th February.

Head coach Abhay Sharma is confident his side is in good shape to continue with their excellent form exhibited during the first round hosted at Lugogo and Entebbe Oval.

“The boys are in a very good shape skill-wise in all aspects – bowling, batting and fielding,” Sharma said.

“The most important part for me as a coach is planning, preparation and implementation. At the moment, the implementation part is a little away, but planning and preparations are going in a very good way. A lot of support staff helping and everything is being taken care of.

“We are looking forward to better days to come. As far as batting is concerned, we are looking forward to the skill levels we’ve attained this time. Hong Kong conditions are different, but we have tried to create scenarios and situations we might encounter.”

Before the tournament, the team will be engaged in a tri-nation series with Baharain and hosts Hong Kong that starts on 31st January.