Uganda settled for second position at the prestigious East Africa Golf Challenge tournament losing to their close rivals Kenya in a nail-biting finale in Bujumbura,Burundi on Friday morning.
Kenya’s David Opati started his country’s onslaughter when he beat Uganda’s Willy Kitata 1-up. Peter Ssendawula beat Rwanda’s Davis Kashaka 2-1. Abbey Bagalana beat Tanzania’s Frank Roman 6-5.
Uganda was seeking to claim its fourth title in this regional team golf tournament having won it in 2004,2009 and 2010. Ronald Bukenya finished all square with Rwanda’s Patrick Uwumukiza.
Gideon Kagyenzi beat Burundi’s Koudra Nahimana 4-2 while debutante Happy Robert lost to Nelson Simwa 3-4 while captain Philip Kasozi lost to Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel 3-4 with Adolf Muhumuza finished all square with Burundi’s Ibrahim Ndayishimiye.
Kenya will host next year’s event which will include DR Congo and South Sudan.
Individual performances in the final singles round
1. Willy Kitata lost Kenya’s David Opati 1-up
2. Peter Ssendawula beat Rwanda’s Davis Kashaka 2-1
3. Abbey Bagalana beat Tanzania’s Frank Roman 6-5
4. Ronald Bukenya finished ALL SQUARE with Rwanda’s Patrick Uwumukiza
5. Gideon Kagyenzi beat Burundi’s Koudra Nahimana 4-2
6. Happy Robert lost to Kenya’s Nelson Simwa 4-3
7. Phillip Kasozi lost to Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel 4-3
8. Adolf Muhumuza finished ALL SQUARE with Burundi’s Ibrahim Ndayishimiye
Final Leaderboard – After 4 rounds played over 3 days
Countries Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Total
Kenya 5.0 1.5 3.5 7.0 17.0 points
Uganda 4.5 3.0 2.0 4.0 13.5
Tanzania 4.5 2.0 1.5 3.5 11.5
Rwanda 4.0 1.0 1.0 3.5 9.5
Burundi 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 8.5