Cwinyaai Clinches Second JW Uganda Amateurs Open Title

Uganda National Golf Team captain, Joseph Cwinyaai, was on Saturday crowned winner of the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Open Golf Championship at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

Cwinyaai, who had trailed Zambia’s Dominic Musonda through the first three rounds, staged a remarkable comeback in the final round to claim his second Open crown. He posted an overall 10-under 274 (67, 68, 72, 67), three shots clear of Musonda’s 7-under 277 (65, 69, 71, 72).

The Ugandan sealed victory with an impressive 4-under 67 on the final day, showcasing his sharp short game and consistency. Musonda, making his debut appearance in Uganda, faltered with a 1-over 72 after dropping crucial shots.

Trailing by two strokes at the start of the decisive round, Cwinyaai cut into Musonda’s lead immediately as the Zambian bogeyed the opening hole. A series of birdies, including a crucial one on hole 10 that coincided with Musonda’s costly double bogey, swung momentum firmly in Cwinyaai’s favor.

Despite Musonda’s brief fightback on the longest fairway in Africa at hole 11, Cwinyaai responded with another birdie at hole 12 to all but seal the championship.

“This victory is special, because last year I lost by a single shot to the homeboy of this club, so winning at his home course gives me even more courage to keep pushing,” Cwinyaai said after lifting the trophy. “I struck the ball so well, it gave me peace and confidence. Even when I almost lost it in the third round, I stayed patient and trusted the plan with my team. Once my putting was on, I knew I could take on anyone.”

Musonda, though disappointed, praised the experience and set his sights on the upcoming Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship, which tees off September 10–13. “I gave it my best this week. Even though it wasn’t the result I wanted, I take a lot of positives from my game. I’m looking forward to the Professionals Open next week.”

Elsewhere, Abdul Kaleeto and Anthony Otukei tied for third on 287, a shot ahead of last year’s champion, Joseph Reagan Akena, who finished fifth. Rogers Eyoyo placed sixth on 291, with Godfrey Kambale and Ibrahim Ssemalula tied for seventh, while Peter Tumusiime and Peter Mayende shared 10th place on 295.

At the colorful 19th hole ceremony, former Uganda Golf Union (UGU) President Moses Matsiko, the chief guest, applauded sponsors for their continued support of the sport. He read a message from UGU trustee and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, commending Lugazi Hills for investing in golf and nurturing talent.

UGU President Dr. Jackson Were also hailed the role of clubs like Lugazi Hills in driving the game’s growth. Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, Christine Kyokunda, praised the tournament for embodying resilience and celebration, true to the “Keep Walking” spirit of the brand.

The lively 19th hole celebration, hosted by Timothy Code with music from Melvyn DJ, featured signature Johnnie Walker cocktails and personalized bottle engravings for winners and guests.

The Amateurs Open was the penultimate leg of the four-week Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship. The series will conclude with the Professionals Open, starting Tuesday, September 10.

This year’s championship is sponsored by Johnnie Walker in partnership with Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.