At the beginning of the month, MTN Group stated its Y’ello Care. The annual event aimed at securing high participation levels of MTN staff in high-impact social projects to uplift and empower the local communities in which the company operates kicked off on 1st June.

In honour of the Group’s 30th anniversary where the company has organised a special edition of the flagship employee volunteerism programme extended to 30 Days, Entebbe Club has joined the drive.

With this year’s campaign themed “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow”, the focus is on bridging the educational divide in underserved communities across MTN’s operational footprint.

It’s upon this background that the Entebbe Club Executive Committee, together with MTN Uganda, have selected a school within Entebbe community, Airforce Primary School – Katabi, to be the beneficiary of a joint effort to give back during the June Tee of Tees on Saturday, 22nd June.

“As close partners, we are excited to support one of our own and look forward to making the donation led by the Headboy (Chairman) at a date soon after our June Tee of Tees,” a statement from the club reads in part.

The club set a target of 5 million Uganda shillings to raise towards Airforce Primary School and requested the members to participate by purchasing a meal card at 5000 which gives the members both a halfway house snack and dinner with all proceeds going towards the school.

The Round of 16 of the 2024 Stanbic Match Play Challenge took centre stage on Saturday, June 15 at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club.

Over 130 players (including the subsidiary category) took part in this exciting tournament on a bright day.

The main challenge saw two all-ladies pairings advance to the quarterfinals slated for 6th July 2024.

The pairing of Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo as well as Peace Kabasweka and Harriet Kitaka were among the successful pairs that progressed to the next level.

Koowe and Kisembo defeated Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi 2/1 whilst Kabasweka and Kitaka had a walkover against Sean Kinsella and Dejan Stepanovic.

“We prepared well and shall continue to do so ahead of the remaining rounds for the main Stanbic match play challenge. There is good chemistry with my playing mate (Kisembo) and we shall continue to gel together” Koowe said.

A mixed pairing of William Esuma and Anne Abeja won 4/3 over Denis Kahindi and Sarah Nduhukire.

In the other matches lined up on the day, Timothy Mwandah and Suubi Kiwanuka did not show up for their match against Tony Ojok & Picole Lukyamuzi.

Michael Bironse and Kevin Ninyesiga lost 4/3 to Herbert Kamuntu and Stephen Ojambo while the pairing of Anthony Agaba and Yunus Baale fell on the 17^th hole to Walter Tukahiirwa and Lambert Tumwesigye.

The duo of Emmanuel Lwanga and Vincent Asiimwe won 4/3 over Joseph Bagabo and Apollo Segawa.

Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami recorded a 2/1 victory over Moses Ssebugwawo and Charles Odere.

Round of 16 Results:

• Timothy Mwandah & Suubi Kiwanuka Vs Tony Ojok & Picole Lukyamuzi (W/O)
• Peace Kabasweka & Harriet Kitaka (W/O) Vs Sean Kinsella & Dejan Stepanovic
• Sam Kacungira & Vincent Katutsi Vs Lillian Koowe & Joyce Kisembo (2/1)
• William Esuma & Anne Abeja (4/3) Vs Denis Kahindi & Sarah Nduhukire
• Michael Bironse & Kevin Ninyesiga Vs Herbert Kamuntu & Stephen Ojambo (4/3)
• Anthony Agaba & Yunus Baale Vs Walter Tukahiirwa & Lambert Tumwesigye (1 UP)
• Emmanuel Lwanga & Vincent Asiimwe (4/3) Vs Joseph Bagabo & Apollo Segawa
• Moses Ssebugwawo & Charles Odere Vs Tony Kisadha & Richard Mwami (2/1)

2024 West Nile Open | Professionals

• Winner: Marvin Kibirige – 68, 68 (136)
• Runners up: Vincent Byamukama – 70, 67 (137)

Marvin Kibirige claimed the professional category of the 2024 West Nile Golf Open.

Namulonge Golf Club pro scored 6-under 136 over two rounds (36 holes) at the West Nile Golf Club in Arua.

Kibirige scored 3-under 68 on day one and replicated the same score on the subsequent 18 holes in round two.

Over the 36 holes, Kibirige recorded 11 birdies, 20 pars and 5 bogeys.

Entebbe-based Vincent Byamukama scored 137 in 36 holes to come second. Byamukama hit 4-under 67 on day two to better his par score (70) from the opening round.

Tadeo Rodel Gaita finished third with 142 gross and Ronald Otile (143) was fourth.

The duo of Abraham Ainamani and Emmanuel Ogwang each scored 144 to be tied for fifth.

David Kamulindwa (145), Saidi Mawa (146), Silver Opio (146) and Emmanuel Opio Onito (146) completed the top ten positions; all who made the cut.

In total, 22 professionals played in the open whose total cash kitty was Shs 13,000,000.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kakeeto won the men’s amateur event with 217 total gross ahead of Siraj Onzima (220) and Joseph Cwinya-ai (221).

Martha Babirye (231) took the ladies’ top gong, ahead of Maron Kyomugisha (238) and Resty Nalutaaya (254).

Ugandan amateur golfers Joseph Cwinya-ai and IbrahimBagalana will compete at the 2024 Zambia Amateur Golf Open Championship.

The Zambia Amateur Golf Open Championship is set to tee off on Friday, May 24 and run up to May 26 at the Lusaka Golf Club.

The two Ugandans go into the tournament with some from local tournaments. Cwinya-ai won the gross category for the 2024 Captain’s Bell at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club over the weekend. Bagalana came second.

“It was a good performance to win and this victory boosts my morale coming to the 2024 Zambia Open,” Cwinyaai said after the Captain’s Bell win.

Bagalana was runners-up at last year’s Uganda Open and will be looking to emulate Godfrey Nsubuga who won several tournaments outside Uganda including the Tanzania Open.

Ronald Rugumayo’s hunt for a Sunshine Tour Card that started last September at the VOG Western Cape Tournament played at the Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate in Cape Town, has come to fruition.

Rugumayo who is based in South Africa became the first Ugandan to secure the Sunshine Tour Card during the last round of the Qualifying School tournament played at the Heron Banks Golf & River Resort in Johannesburg.

“Achieving a Sunshine Tour card in just my second season is a dream come true. It wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement, guidance, and belief of so many people,” Rugumayo said in Instagram post.

Earlier this year, Rugumayo also became the first Uganda to make the cut in a European Tour event during the DP Tour Magical Kenya Open.

“To my family, manager, friends, coaches, Caddy and fans – your unwavering support and encouragement mean the world to me. Your words of wisdom and unrelenting belief in my abilities have fuelled my passion and desire to succeed.

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by each of you. This achievement is not just mine, but ours, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Impressive rounds of 67, 73, 68 and 71 earned Rugumayo full membership of the Sunshine Tour and will now on play in big-money tournaments starting with the Zimbabwe Open scheduled for May 9-12.

Marvin Kibirige and Deus Willy Kitata are the other Ugandans who were also in South Africa trying to secure the card through other qualifying events.

Sean Kinsella beat a big field of over 100 golfers to emerge the winner of the day-long MTN Monthly Tee for April.

Kinsella returned to the clubhouse with 64 nett.

Paul Habyarimana won the Men’s Group A with 65 nett, three shots ahead of Michael Tumusiime in second.

In Group B, David Batanda came top with 67 nett, two shots better than Charles Odere.

Ronald Gayiya scored 68 nett to win Group C, one shot off Emmanuel Mugabi.

In the Ladies category, Rita Akot Apell won Group A ladies with 72 nett with the club lady captain Jovia Tugume (74 nett) was runners-up on countback score.

Peace Hellen won the ladies Group B with 72 nett and Nice Janda took the runners-up spot 73 nett on count-back.

John Muchiri topped the seniors category with 72 nett (countback) while Dean Kateeba was the outstanding guest player with 67 nett.

APRIL TOP PERFORMERS

OVERALL WINNER

• Sean Kinsella 64 nett

GROUP A MEN

• WINNER: Paul Habyarimana 65 nett
• RUNNER UP: Michael Tumusiime 68 nett

GROUP B MEN

• WINNER: David Batanda 67 nett
• RUNNER UP: Charles Odere 69 nett

GROUP C MEN

• WINNER: Ronald Gayiya 68 nett
• RUNNER UP: Emmanuel Mugabi 69 nett

GROUP A LADIES

• WINNER: Rita Apell 72 nett
• RUNNER UP: Jovia Tugume 74 nett c/b

GROUP B LADIES

• WINNER: Peace Hellen 72 nett
• RUNNER UP: Nice Janda 73 nett c/b

SENIORS (55+) WINNER

• John Muchiri 72 nett c/b

GUEST WINNER

• Dean Kateeba 67 nett

Nearest to the Pin (Hole 13)

• Andrew Baguma

Anne Abeja was the best lady on the day during the March MTN Monthly Tee at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 14, Abeja returned 70 nett to claim the Ladies Group A winners prize. Abeja also took home the award for longest drive.

Entebbe Club ladies Captain Jovia Tugume who carded 73 nett was runners-up in Group A. Annette Nakiyaga and Pamela Tumusiime also got to the podium after returning 72 and 76nett in the ladies Group B.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Lloyd Busuulwa returned to the clubhouse after his best-ever round having registered 66 nett to beat a field of over 200 golfers who took the course.

“I’m happy for my win today because it wasn’t an easy round; it was a round of two nines, but the front nine pulled it for me. I drove the ball very well and my putting was spot-on.

“I had some bad shots during the round especially when I twice went out of bounds but my putting saved the day, but it was a good round. It is my first major overall win and I’m looking forward to many more to come,” Busuulwa told the media at the 19th hole.

Allan Muhereza and Andrew Baguma were the winner and runners-up respectively in Group A while Joseph Adrapi and Collins Nuwagira took charge of Group B. Herbert Kamuntu and Jamil Maningi led the men’s Group C.

Peter Magna, Maxi Byenkya and Joseph Bagabo walked away with the longest drive and nearest to the pin prizes.

MTN MONTHLY TEE | MARCH TOP PERFORMERS

WINNER OVERALL

• Busuulwa Lioyd 66 nett

GROUP A LADIES

• WINNER: Abeja Anne 70 nett
• RUNNER UP: Tugume Jovia 73 nett

GROUP B LADIES

• WINNER: Nakiyaga Annet 72 nett
• RUNNER UP: Tumusiime Pamela 76 nett

GROUP A MEN

• WINNER: Muhereza Allan 69 nett c/b
• RUNNER UP: Baguma Andrew 69 nett

GROUP B MEN

• WINNER: Adrapi Joseph 67 nett
• RUNNER UP: Nuwagira Collins 68 nett c/b

GROUP C MEN

• WINNER: Kamuntu Herbert 68 nett
• RUNNER UP: Jamil Maningi 69 nett

WINNER SENIORS

• Sean Kinsella 68 nett

WINNER GUESTS

• LADIES: Ruth Akello 66 nett
• MEN: Ivan Arinaitwe 67 nett

LONGEST DRIVE

• LADIES: Anne Abeja
• MEN: Peter Magona

NEAREST TO THE PIN

• LADIES: Maxi Byenkya
• MEN: Bagabo Joseph

Pre-tournament favourite Peace Kabasweka scored 3-over 74 on the opening day of the 2024 Entebbe Ladies Open at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club on Thursday.

The Uganda Ladies Open winner who also won this very tournament in 2022 has a three-stroke lead over Melon Kyomugisha after the opening 18 holes.

Meanwhile, Judith Komugisha (81) in third place is 7 shots shy from the leader and in fourth position after 18 holes is Harriet Kitaka who scored 11-over 82.

Bernadette Musanabera, playing off handicap 11 and Cathy Kwagala (Handicap 14) are joint-tied for fifth with 84 gross apiece.

In the men’s category, scratch golfer Elton Thembo scored 1-under 70 for the lead on Day One.

Cosmas Ociti (Handicap 6) is level par while Joseph Cwinya-ai scored 2-over 73 to complete the top three.

On Day Two, the pressure group of Kabasweka, Komugisha and Kyomugisha will tee off at 12:40 pm while Thembo, Ociti and Cwinyaai tee off at 11:50 am.

Entebbe Club is set to host the Entebbe Ladies Open from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2. The Ladies Open is an annual and prestigious event that attracts golfers from within the country as well as across the border.

While speaking to the press, Entebbe Golf Club lady captain, Jovia Tugume promised a great experience during the tournament since the preparations have set the place to meet international standards.

“The Entebbe Ladies Open will give golfers a good opportunity to test the course. We have asked the technical team to set up the course to the level of Uganda Open,” she stated.

“I encourage all ladies to come and participate in this prestigious event, and I promise that Entebbe Club will put on a good show,” she added.

The Entebbe Ladies Open is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event for both the lady gross players and the men gross players.

The tournament provides a golden opportunity to earn ranking points thus improving their status in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

According to Tugume, the tournament organisers expect to accommodate over 200 golfers competing in different categories. Ladies Group A category will play over three days and the Ladies Categories B will play for two days.

For men, the gross amateurs will play over three days while the subsidiary category will play on the final day of the tournament.

This will be the 14^th edition of the tournament.

It has seen seven previous winners such as Jasper Kamukama (Uganda, 2011), Flavia Namakula (Uganda, 2012), Iddi Madina (Tanzania, 2013), Monica Ntege (Uganda, 2014), Irene Nakalembe (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021), Peace Kabasweka (2022) and the defending champion is Martha Babirye (2023).

Ronald Rugumayo made history on Friday, February 23 as he became the first Ugandan to make the cut at a DP World Tour event.

It was a priceless moment for the 31-year-old as he birdied the final hole during the second round of the Magical Kenya Open at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.

“There are no words that I can use to express how I feel,” said Rugumayo.

“I’m so grateful for Kenyans, my fellow Ugandans who flew all the way (to watch me). Honestly, it’s not about me as a player, it’s not about Uganda, it’s about East Africa. Everything I’m doing, I’m doing for East Africa.”

This is Mayo’s third go at the Magical Kenya Open as a professional, but he participated in the 2017 edition as an amateur.

Last season, he also became the first Ugandan to hit a hole-in-one in the DP World Tour.