Ever since the inception of the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Ladies Open Golf Tournament in 2018, Peace Kabasweka has been finishing second in the main event (Silver category) of the competition.
In 2021, Kabasweka lost to Martha Babirye in a sudden death playoff and in 2019 she had again finished second to Babirye. She again finished as runner up to Irene Nakalembe in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2018. The 2020 edition wasn’t held due to Covid-19 disruptions.
However, Kabasweka finally broke that duck on Saturday, 20th August after the conclusion of the 2022 edition, shooting an overall 11 over par 227 in three rounds (three days).
“I feel great, I’m so excited, I’m so happy, I thank God!,” Kabasweka exclaimed at the 18th hole adding that; “I put in a lot of effort this time round after losing last year and I thank God my efforts paid off.”
Among other goodies, Kabasweka won an air ticket courtesy of Uganda Airlines.
Gloria Mbaguta who looked to have had the accolade at her grasp heading into the final round finished second, just a shot behind Kabasweka as she shot an overall gross score of 228. Former champion Babirye capped the podium with 231 whilst Eva Magala finished fourth with 238.
Kabasweka will Captain Uganda Ladies’ National Golf Team at the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) scheduled for September 3 to 13, 2022 at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club in Tanzania. She hopes to take the same form to the continental event.
“This win has given me more courage and I believe if we all work together, if we double our efforts, we shall do well as Team Uganda. Me as the Captain I’m glad I played well this week and I believe if we do things together, we shall be much better,” Kabasweka noted.
Having won the Entebbe Ladies Open earlier this year, Kabasweka now has her eyes set on the Uganda Ladies Open (ladies event of the Uganda Open Golf Tournament) scheduled for October 2022 at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.
However, Ronald Rugumayo shot an overall 6 under 138 in two rounds to retain the professionals title of the UGC Ladies Open, claiming the biggest chunk of the UGX10M kitty.
National Medical Stores (NMS) were the tournament lead sponsors. They also bankrolled the 2021 edition.
At the 19th hole, NMS was represented by their Chief Stores and Operations Officer, Paul Okware who said that they are proud to associate with UGC and its members. NMS now aims to continue supporting the game of birdies and bogies and they call upon people to observe healthy lifestyles.
Other tournament partners were; Tusker Malt Lager, Pepsi, NCBA Bank, CASE Clinic and Uganda Airlines.
Other Winners.
*Nett (overall): Regina Namata – 208 nett
*Nett (1st 18): Meron Kyomugisha – 78 gross
*Bronze: Evelyn Atukunda – 121 nett
*Subsidiary: Silvia Bideri – 60 nett
*Seniors: Jennifer Opio – 67 nett
*Junior female – Victoria McKenzie – 66 nett
*Longest drive – Diana Nambalirwa
*Nearest to pin – Margret Noki
Subsidiary Men.
*Seniors men: Daniel Kalimuzo – 73 nett c/b
*Junior: Charles Kamyuka – 71 nett
*Longest drive – John Musimeeta
Nearest to pin – Andrew Muhwezi