After a solid two-under 69 in the opening round, all signs pointed to Kenya’s Adel Balala being in Saturday’s pressure group. However, following a disastrous round of 82 yesterday, it’s unlikely he’ll be in the final group for the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateur Open.
Instead, the spotlight is now on Joseph Cwinya-ai, who posted a two-over 73 to go three-over for the championship. The 2021 champion showcased his skill with an eagle on the par-5 seventh and added four birdies on holes 8, 10, 11, and 18. The only blemish on his card was a double bogey on the 17th.
Hot on Cwinya-ai’s heels is Joseph Reagan Akena, who also shot a 73. Meanwhile, Abdul Kakeeto and Michael Tumusiime sit tied for third, three shots behind Cwinya-ai. Tumusiime was in contention for the lead until a triple bogey on the final hole dashed his hopes of sharing the top spot.
Unlike the downpour in Kampala, Entebbe enjoyed another day of dry weather, leaving the course fast and unforgiving for golfers struggling to hit greens in regulation. Defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga, who is based in the US, bounced back with a round of 72. The day’s best scores were turned in by youngsters Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo, who both carded level-par rounds of 71. The course’s unpredictable nature means the leaderboard can shift dramatically, as seen with Balala and Nsubuga’s fluctuating performances.
Despite being a few shots back, Samuel Bazaale, Titus Okwong, and Balala are still in contention.
Friday’s round will include a subsidiary event for Group C golfers, with Group B slated for Saturday.
Co-sponsors of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship Uganda Open are; ABSA Bank, NBS, Pinnacle Security, Aquafina, Orchard Interiors, MTN, Case Medical Services, Medisell, and the Uganda Golf Union.
