Joseph Cwinya-ai, Akope excel at 2025 Absa UGC Captain’s Bell
David GOMBE
Uganda national golf team captain, Joseph Cwinya-ai and Deo Akope excelled at the 2025 Uganda Golf Club Captain’s Bell tournament.
The prestigious event is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda and was played over three days from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th May 2025 at Uganda Golf Club.
Cwinya-ai won the elite gross with 200 gross (-6) in 54 holes while Anthony Otukei finished as runner-up in the same category.
Reigning Uganda Amateur Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena managed a score of 220 to finish fifth.
In the professional category, Deo Akope triumphed with 277 strokes (gross) during the four rounds (-11) while Grace Kasango with 285 was second.
Akope will enjoy a lion’s share of the Shs 20,000,000 prize money kitty courtesy of main sponsors Absa Bank.
Philip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa and Tom Jingo were tied in third with 286 gross whereas Ronald Otile managed 287.
Tadeo Rodell Gaite managed 288 while Davis Kato and Abbey Bagalana each finished with 289.
Peace Kabwasweka with 234 gross won the ladies category with Harriet Kitaka, Gloria Mbaguta, Meron Kyomugisha, Martha Babirye and Joyce Kisembo finished second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director Speaking David Wandera had his experience at the event and stated,
“As we support this tournament for the 7th year running, Absa’s UGX 179 million investment this year reflects our deep commitment to growing golf in Uganda, nurturing talent and celebrating moments that bring us together as a community. Today’s UGX 20 million professional prize kitty is our way of rewarding the excellence we have witnessed here.”
Absa Bank Uganda has been a long-term supporter of the Captain’s Bell Tournament, now marking its seventh consecutive year of sponsorship.