The High Commissioner of Kenya in Uganda, H.E Maj Gen (Rtd) George Owino and his golfing partner Sarah Nduhukire are through to the next round of the Singleton Match Play Challenge after they triumphed in round one of the tournament played on Saturday at Entebbe Club’s par-71 lakeside golf course.
H.E Maj Gen George Owino and Sarah Nduhukire, both members of Uganda Golf Club, won 3&2 against the all-male pair of Enock Nuwagaba and Jackson Were.
H.E Maj Gen George Owino shared his delight in making it to the next round of the tournament and is looking forward to staying in the main event of the competition for a long run.
“I feel so happy! It’s a good thing when you win and advance to the next round of the competition, you feel good about it,” H.E Maj Gen George Owino said adding that he used to have difficulties in the front nine of the course but his practice rounds prior to the event sharpened him, a strategy he intends to use prior to next round of the competition scheduled of August 26th.
For Nduhukire, she attributes the win to teamwork and preparing very well prior to tee-off. Ahead of the next round, she says that they will hold practice rounds and pay attention to detail in challenging holes.
“We will have to create time to practice here (at Entebbe Club). If we have a positive mindset we shall get it right,” Nduhukire said before thanking Singleton and other partners for sponsoring the tournament.
In the next round, H.E Maj Gen George Owino and Sarah Nduhukire will come up against a fellow mixed pair in the shape of Maxi Byenkya and Daniel Kangu. The latter were awarded a walkover in round one against Isaac Ethan and Matsiko Alexander.
Entebbe Club Captain, Seruwano Walusimbi and his golfing partner Peter Magona are one of the pairs that triumphed on Saturday. They beat Entebbe Club Chairman Jacob Byamukama and his golfing partner Peter Kagumya 2/1.
“It was an entertaining but tough game. We are happy to make it to the next round,” Walusimbi said adding that; “me and my teammate played a very calculated game so we had to think every shot and every hole.”
Ahead of the next round, short game is one of the areas Walusimbi and his golfing partner will concentrate on before they take on Innocent Kihika and Morris Ongwech in round two that will feature 16 matches (32 teams).
2018 winners Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime triumphed against Connie N and Arnold Bagubwagye with a 3/1 victory. In the next round, the two ladies will come up against Peter Mujuni and Stephen Katwiremu.
All-female pair of Lillian Koowe and Joyce Kisembo are also through to the next round after condemning Harry Hakiza and Jerry Owachi to a 2/1 defeat. The triumphant pair will face Saleh Kalema and Edward Okech in the round two.
Meanwhile, Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Singleton at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) said that the Match Play Challenge continues to be an exciting experience for golfers on and off the course.
“In the next round expect an amazing experience of the Singleton Match Play Challenge. As the challenge goes on, the competition gets stiffer and exciting but also the interaction with the brand gets better and better so we are looking forward to the next round,” Kyokunda said.
Round two is full of interesting matchups and eyes will be on the prize as only half (16 pairs) of the pack will make it to the next stage of the competition. In every Singleton Match Play Challenge outing, only half of the pairs make it to the next stage of the competition.
Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) through the Singleton Whisky brand is the tournament lead sponsor. The partners are; Uganda Airlines, DSTV, NCBA, CFAO Motors and Afrisafe
Singleton Match Play Challenge Past Winners (main event):
2022: Philemon Akatuhurira/Patrick Ndase
2021: Wasn’t completed (Covid-19 Lockdown)
2020: Innocent Nahabwe/Adoch Luwum
2019: Richard Lutwama/Robert Busingye
2018: Peace Kabasweka/Sheila Kesiime
2017: Isaac Mariera/John Muchiri.
