MTN Monthly Tee (January 2025)

• Overall winner: Peace Hellen (Handicap 29) – 64
• Ladies winner: Maxi Byenkya (Handicap 19) – 69 countback
• Seniors’ winner (55 years +): Steven Kitamirike (Handicap 27) – 71 countback
• Guest winner: Gordon Obitre Gama (Handicap 20) – 69
• Group A winner men: Andrew Baguma (Handicap 6) – 70
• Group B winner men: Daniel Opwonya (Handicap 17) – 69
• Group C winner men: Dejan Stepanovic (Handicap 20) – 68

The MTN Monthly Tee returned at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club with the first tournament of 2025 taking centre stage on Saturday, January 18.

Over 120 golfers took the course including the Deputy Speaker for the Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa who shared his target for the golf season.

“Such tournaments as the MTN Monthly Tee are beneficial to me, first of all for health benefits. I also look forward to lowering my handicap from 20 downwards,” Rt. Hon. Tayebwa said.

By the close of the day, Peace Hellen, playing off handicap 29, emerged as the overall winner after returning to the clubhouse with a nett score of 64.

Maxi Byenkya, playing off handicap 19, was the ladies’ winner with 69 nett on countback.

The seniors (55 years +) cluster was claimed by Steven Kitamirike (Handicap 27) with 71 on countback.

Gordon Obitre Gama (Handicap 20) was the guest top performer with 69 nett.

Other Top Performers

Andrew Baguma (Handicap 6) won the Men’s Group A with 70 ahead of Robbins Mwehaire (71).

Daniel Opwonya (Handicap 17) won Group B with 69 nett, a shot better than Stephen Paul Ojambo (70 nett, countback).

Dejan Stepanovic (Handicap 20) claimed Group C with 68 nett ahead of John Ssebuliba (70, countback).

Jacob Byamukama, the club chairman, anticipates a great golfing year with several events lined up at the historic event.

“Happy New Year to you all. 2025 is here and we expect a great golfing year at Entebbe year. I salute all the media, members, sponsors, partners and the media for the collective duty to see Entebbe Club grow through leaps and bounds,” Byamukama stated.

The next MTN Monthly Tee will take place on Saturday, February 15.

After playing consistently throughout the year, Saidi KirariraTwijukye and Jovia Tugume were on Saturday night crowned the MTN Grand Tee of Tees overall winners.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568).

Kirarira, playing off handicap 12, recorded his best round in September when he returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 62.

Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578). Like Kirarira, Tugume, playing off handicap 18, had her best round in September when she carded 68 nett.

Meanwhile, Andrew Kibaya topped the day emerging as the overall winner of the December tournament. The handicap 17 golfer returned a nett score of 68 beating Llyod Busuulwa on countback.

MTN Monthly Tee – December Top Performers

Overall Winner

• Andrew Kibaya – 68 c/b

Group A – Men

• Winner: Richard Oloka – 70 c/b
• Runner Up: Joseph Adrapi – 73

Group B – Men

• Winner: Marvin Kagoro – 69 c/b
• Runner Up: Lony Akena – 69

Group C – Men

• Winner: Lloyd Busuulwa – 68 c/b
• Runner Up: Picole Lukyamuzi – 70

Group A – Ladies

• Winner: Bridget Basiima – 74 c/b
• Runner Up: Ritah Apel – 74

Group B – Ladies

• Winner: Nice Janda – 72 c/b
• Runner Up: Peace Hellen – 72

Nearest to the Pin

• Men – Martin Kivumbi
• Ladies – Victoria Bagaaya

Longest Drive

• Men – David Mpanga
• Ladies – Sammy Nakanjako

Guest Winner

• Nathan Mubiru – 64

Seniors Winner 

• Richard Muchunguzi – 69

For years, Entebbe Golf Club did not have a recognised halfway house but rather a shade for service providers with seats under a tree for golfers to take a breather after playing the opening nine holes.

However, that is no more thanks to a partnership that the club entered into with MTN Uganda last year that included sponsoring the Monthly Mug (now known as the MTN Monthly Tee), the renovation of the clubhouse and the construction of a halfway house.

On Saturday, December 14 during the MTN Granda Tee of Tees, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge delivered on one of the promises as she officially opened and handed over the halfway house known as the MTN Pod.

“MTN is all about powering the passion that drives every Ugandan. I hope you enjoy the club, I hope you enjoy the Pod. This is MTN’s gift to you,” Mulinge told the golfers present in her short speech.

“We are really grateful to MTN for constructing the MTN Pod for the club,” Entebbe Club captain Serwano Walusimbi said. “For a club of our stature, it is important that we have a halfway house.”

Meanwhile, Saidi Kirarira and club lady captain Jovia Tugume emerged as the overall winners of the Grand Tee of Tees for their consistent performance throughout the year.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568) while Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578).

The MTN Grand Tee of Tees will take centre stage at Entebbe Golf Club with over 200 golfers taking the par 71 course.

According to the draw released by the club, the top two in the Men’s Oder of Merit, Saidi Kirarira and Raymond Okwemu, will tee off at 8:10am. Kirarira is the favourite to win the overall gong.

However, there is stiff competition among the top three ladies on who will take the coveted prize.

Club lady captain Jovia Tugume (575), Pamela Tumusiime (577), and Bridget Basiima (580) are all within reach for the women’s grand prize.

There is an all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from CFAO Mobility that has been staked for a hole-in-one on the tricky par-3 Hole 8.

The theme of the evening at the 19th hole is “Sunshine at Dusk” with the dress code calling for a touch of yellow.

The mode of play shall be medal, full handicap with a mega prize-giving ceremony set to happen at the spacious Entebbe Cricket Oval.

• Event: Serena 63 Golf Series
• Date: Saturday, 30^th November 2024
• Venue: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo

The Serena 63 Golf Series is set for the final outing of the season slated for this Saturday, November 30 at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.

Now in its second year, the series will recognize and award the top overall performers of the season at the 19th-hole prize-giving dinner.

Boniface Ssimwa, the Serena Golf Pro, said the finale is expected to register a bigger turn-up considering it’s the season-ender.

“We’re excited that the 2024 season is coming to an end this Saturday. It’s been an incredible journey, and we expect to wrap up the season with a great turnout,” Ssimwa said.

The Serena 63 Series season finale will be played under the Stableford, full handicap format, and will feature 63 subsidiary players (both 63 Series participants and non-63 Series participants), with the top three from each category eligible for prizes at the 19th hole.

Participants in this year’s Serena 63 series stand a chance to win a grand prize worth 40 Uganda shillings which will include an exclusive annual golf membership at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa. 

Top performers are also assured of outstanding prizes from event sponsors I&M Bank and Serena Hotels.

Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda, said they are looking forward to a thrilling season finale, characterized by fierce competition, as golfers compete for top honours.

“We are glad to have successfully reached the end of the second season of the Serena 63 series. We are proud to witness the series grow in many aspects, and as a partner, this motivates us to continue supporting the game of golf in Uganda.

“We’re proud to be part of an event that not only celebrates sporting excellence, but also builds community, strengthens bonds, and creates lasting friendships,” Nakiyaga said.

I&M Bank will provide special perks for top-performing golfers this Saturday. Top on the list of the bank’s offer is a fully sponsored trip for the five overall winners of the series to take part in the esteemed I&M Invitational Golf Tournament in Kenya early next year.

Defending champion David Plenderleith tops the leaderboard with 1406 points. Plenderleith, who has played 40 rounds so far, has averaged 35.15 points per round.

Duncan Kaggwa, who has played the most rounds (43), is currently in second place with 1383 points. John Byabagambi, who rounds out the podium, has 1321 points, while Juanati Karamji, in fourth place, has 1290 points. Jadu Patel is in fifth place, with 1206 points.

Over 110 golfers braved the morning rain to take the lakeside Entebbe Golf Course on Saturday for the November MTN Monthly Tee.

Robert Sabiiti topped the field emerging as the overall winner of the penultimate round of the MTN-sponsored event.

Sabiiti returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 68.

In the women’s category, Hellen Peace scored 72 nett to top the category with the club lady captain Jovia Tugume taking the runner-up spot with 73 nett.

With her score in the ultimate round, Tugume ascends to the top of the women’s order of merit with the ultimate round set for December 14 when the overall winners will be crowned.

In the men’s Group A, Jude Ochieng beat Andrew Baguma by a stroke while Richard Oloka required countback to win Group B ahead of Peter Magona.

MTN MONTHLY TEE | NOVEMBER TOP PERFORMERS

WINNER OVERALL
Sabiiti Robert 67 nett

WINNER GROUP A MEN
Ochieng Jude 71 nett

RUNNER UP
Andrew Baguma 73 nett

WINNER GROUP B MEN
Oloka Richard 68 nett c/b

RUNNER UP
Peter Magona 68 nett

WINNER GROUP C MEN
Herbert Kamuntu 68 nett

RUNNER UP
Mathias Kalula 71 nett

WINNER LADIES
Peace Hellen 72 nett

RUNNER UP
Tugume Jovia 73 nett

WINNER SENIORS 55+
Tony Kisadha 71 nett

WINNER GUESTS
Paul Ndyaguma 68 nett

2024 Kinyara Golf Open (Gross – Amateurs):

• Overall winner: Joseph Kasozi – 73, 70, 73 (216)
• 2^nd: Ivan Sekulima –76, 75, 76 (227)
• 3^rd: Abdullah Kakooza – 75, 76, 81 (232)
• 4^th: Christopher Basaliza – 74, 77, 82 (233)
• T5: Godfrey Kambale – 88, 73, 73 (234)
• T5: Samuel Bazaale – 79, 80, 75 (234)
• T5: Tonny Ochen –77, 79, 78 (234)

Joseph Kasozi claimed the 26^th edition of the Kinyara Golf Open at the par-71 Kinyara Golf Course in Masindi.

Playing off handicap -3, Kasozi scored a total of 216 gross over 54 holes played from three rounds to net his first-ever triumph in this open.

“I am excited… This is my first victory at the Kinyara Golf Open on a golf course that made me who I am today. It is humbling,” said Kasozi.

Kasozi was 11 shots clear of second-placed Ivan Sekulima and 16 shots adrift from the third-placed golfer Abdullah Kakooza.

In the 54 holes, Kakooza recorded a total of 13 birdies, 19 pars, 9 bogies and 3 double bogies.

He opened the tournament with 2-over-73 in round one.

“I broke my driver on hole 6 during the first round but soldiered on with the iron and remained in the lead. The rains disturbed us during round two but it was a blessing for me because the wet conditions favour my game” he spoke.

On round two, he played his best golf with 1-under-70 and completed the third round with another 2-over-73.

“This victory is special because it gives me some important points for the world amateur golf system and I look forward to the same ripe form” Kasozi remarked.

Lake Victoria Golf Resort and Spa member Ivan Sekulima came second with 76, 75, 76 (227) and Abdullah Kakooza of Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf course in Namulonge was third on the leaderboard with 75, 76, 81 (232).

In total, there were 26 amateurs in the competition.

Professionals:

Grace Kasango was the outstanding professional in the paid ranks category with 143 gross in 36 holes.

This was Kasango’s second victory at the Kinyara Golf Open in the professional docket after the 2022 victory.

Tom Jjingo (145), Ronald Bukenya (146), Saidi Mawa (149), Joseph Mawejje (149), Adolf Muhumuza (150), Emma Ogwang (151), Silver Opio (151), Samuel Kato (152) and Peter Ssendaula (152) all made the treasured cut for the Shs 10,000,000 kitty.

Seventeen professional golfers participated in total with over 100 in the subsidiary cluster.

• Event: All Africa Golf Championship 2024
• Dates: 27^th to 30^th November 2024
• Venue: Tazegzout Golf Course, Agadir – Morocco

Uganda women’s national golf team was flagged off for the 2024 All Africa Golf Championships in Morocco.

The tournament tees off with the official practice round on 27^th November at the Tazegzout Golf Course in Agadir and will climax on 30^th November with 54 holes played.

State minister for sports Hon. Peter Ogwang flagged off the team at the Uganda Golf Club, Kampala on Friday, 22^nd November 2024.

“Go and represent the country gallantly. We are proud of you and believe in yourselves,” said Ogwang.

Captain Peace Kabasweka, Martha Babirye and the long-hitting Meron Kyomugisha are the three players on the team.

These will be joined by the head coach Flavia Namakula, team manager Gloria Mbaguta, Dorren Mwesigye (president of Uganda Ladies Golf Union) and Wendy Angudeyo (captain, Uganda Golf Club).

“We have prepared very well with good training at the Lugazi Hills and Country Club as well as the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa courses. These players have been carrying their own golf kits and we tackled every aspect of the game. We have the right yardages for the course in Agadir and we are ready for action,” head coach Namakula stated.

Kabasweka, Uganda’s captain, expressed readiness for the All-Africa Championship.

“We are ready mentally and physically for the tournament in Morocco. We thank the coach and the leadership of Uganda Ladies Golf Union for the support”, Kabasweka revealed.

There are now 21 countries confirmed for this tournament.

Last year, Uganda finished fourth in the same tournament in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Dismas Indiza topped the opening round at the 2024 Stanbic Entebbe Golf Pro Open on Wednesday, October 20.

After the opening 18 holes, the long-hitting Kenyan returned to the clubhouse one-under 70.

Indiza’s scorecard had 5 birdies (on holes 7, 9, 11, 15 and 18), 9 pars (recorded on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13 and 14) and 4 bogies that came on the back nine at10, 12, 16 and the challenging hole17.

Three golfers were tied in second place on a course level (71) that is Grace Kasango, Silver Opio and another Kenyan Jastas Madoya.

Meanwhile, James Koto, David Kamulindwa, Phillip Kasozi and Saidi Mawa played 1-over 72. Last year’s winner Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Robinson Owiti played 2-over 73 after 18 holes.

It remains a competitive field going into day two of action on Thursday, 31^st October 2024.

Nicholas Kebba emerged as the overall winner of the October MTN Monthly Tee at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 15, Kebba returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 68, edging Robert Ejiku in the one-day tournament on countback.

Playing off handicap 9, Richard Oloka won the Men’s Group with 69 nett and Joseph Galiwango took the runners-up spot with 72.

Ejiku topped Group Bwith James O’Sullivan taking second place with 70 nett.

Raymond Ekwamu returned 69 nett to win the Men’s Group C while Mathiass Kalule’s 70 nett was good enough for second place. Ekwamu’s 69 takes him to the top of the Order Of Merit with his best 8 rounds totaling 576.

Esther Aganyira scored 71 nett to win the ladies category while Rital Apel took second place.

The next MTTN Monthly Tee will take place on November 23 with the Grand Tee of Tees scheduled for December 14.