Uganda Sports news

Cwinya-ai clinches 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open title

JoriPress

Sep 6, 2025 - 20:00

2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Golf Open

Overall winner:

Joseph Cwinya-ai (Uganda) – 67, 68, 72, 67 (274)

Runners up:

Dominic Musonda (Zambia) – 65, 69, 71, 72 (277)

Uganda Golf national team captain Joseph “CJ” Cwinya-ai is the champion of the 84th edition for the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Golf Open championship.

L-R: Dr Jackson Were (President of Uganda Golf Union), Joseph Cwinya-ai and UBL official Francis Kirabira in Lugazi | Credit: Don Mugabi

Cwinya-ai tallied 10-under-274 in four grueling rounds played at the par-71 Lugazi Hills and Country Club course.

The aggressive long-hitter trailed in the first three rounds to Zambia’s sensational Dominic Musonda who led the opening 54 holes until the last round.

Joseph Cwinyaai smiles with the trophy | Credit: Don Mugabi

A member of Toro and Uganda Golf Clubs, Cwinya-ai carded 4-under 67 during the first round. He had 3-under 68 for round two, 1-over 72 in the third round and played 4-under 67 again during the final round.

“I am so happy for this victory” Cwinya-ai spoke of his second national amateur’s victory since 2021.

An excited Joseph Cwinya-ai after holing out on hole 18 | Credit: Don Mugabi

Joseph Cwinyaai and the caddie Hadijah Nampijja | Credit: Don Mugabi

“From the first day, I had the believe that I would smile to the podium. I thank my caddie, entire management and sponsors for the support” Cwinya-ai added.

Nkana Golf Club member Dominic Musonda from Zambia finished runners up with 7-under 277 gross over four rounds (65, 69, 71 and 72).

Musonda hailed the level of competition throughout the championship as he congratulated the winner.

“It was a great event here in Uganda. I led from the first round until day three. I congragulate the champion. I was unfortunate with the referee’s ruling on hole 10 who ruled an Out of Bounds ball for me that completely disorganized me on the final day” the 22-year-old Zambian remarked.

Crowning ceremony of Joseph Cwinya-ai on hole 8 at Lugazi Hills and Country Club | Credit: Don Mugabi

Abdul Kakeeto and Anthony Otukei tied for third place with 287 apiece. 2024 champion Joseph Reagan Akena completed in 5th place with 288.

Derrick Musana (289), Rogers Eyoyo (291), Godfrey Kambale (292), Ibrahim Ssemakula (292), Peter Tumusiime (295) and Peter Mayende (295) were all in the top 11 positions.

Focus switches to the professional open teeing off on Wednesday, 10th to 13th September 2025 at the same venue in Lugazi.

The Pro-Am will happen on Tuesday, 9th September 2025.

The previous weeks have witnessed action in the seniors and ladies opens which are part of the main Johnnie Walker Uganda Open series.

In history of the Uganda Golf Open series, this is the first championship to be held outside Kampala and Entebbe.