Overview:
Absa Bank Managing Director Mumba Kalifungwa remarked that the bank was proud to be associated with the annual golf event and support the continuity of the great tradition.
2024 Absa Captains Bell (Top performers):
- Professionals: Ronald Rugumayo – 72, 67, 70 (209)
- Overall men: Perez Muhwezi – 41 points
- Overall ladies: Rose Azuba – 37 points (countback)
- Gross ladies: Peace Kabasweka – 76, 74, 74 (224)
- Gross men: Joseph Cwinya-ai – 75, 70, 74 (219)
The 6th Absa captain’s bell tournament climaxed on Saturday, 18th May 2024 at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club, Kampala.
This championship officially ushered in Paul Charles Rukundo as captain and Jerry Owachi, the vice captain.
Over 230 golfers convened in the professional and amateur categories for a thrilling 19-hole experience.
As the official sponsor for the event, Absa doubled the cash prizes staking a total of UGX20 million for the professional winners of the annual tournament.
Professional winner, Ronald “Mayo” Rugumayo, walked away with UGX 10 million and the rest of the UGX10 million split among eleven professionals.
Rugamayo scored 7-under 209 gross in 54 holes to topple the rest of the professionals.
David “Amooti” Kamulindwa (214) was second placed as Tadeo Rodell Gaita came third with 215 gross.
Ronald Otile (217) was fourth placed. The trio of Grace Kasango, Emmanuel Opio Onito and Davis Kato tied with 221 gross mark apiece in the joint fifth place.
This enhanced prize structure is a reflection of Absa’s commitment to developing and attracting top golfing talent to create a truly competitive atmosphere for the sport.
Perez Muhwezi and Rose Azuba emerged victorious winning the overall men and women’s trophies respectively.
Muhwezi scored 41 stableford points and Azuba had 37 to triumph on countback.
Joseph Cwinya-ai (male gross) and Peace Kabasweka (female gross) were also outstanding and rewarded on top of the respective top performers in the different groups.
Side-bets:
Ann Abeja and Hillary Bamulinde won the ladies and men respective nearest to the pin contest.
Sarah Nduhukire came top in the female longest drive competition with Ibrahim Bagalana toppling the men.
Speaking at the prize giving Absa Bank Managing Director Mumba Kalifungwa remarked that the bank was proud to be associated with the annual golf event and support the continuity of the great tradition.
“For Absa, the Captain’s Bell Tournament is not just about competition but also community. It’s about fostering an environment where this talent can flourish and we are delighted to continue our partnership. This event aligns perfectly with our purpose of ‘empowering Africa’s tomorrow together one story at a time’, supporting excellence and fostering a spirit of community. The increased prize money reflects our dedication to enhancing the experience for all participants,” he said.
The new Captain Paul Charles Rukundo noted that his leadership would endeavor to foster the growth of both the sport and players.
“For over 70 years, the Captain’s Bell tournament has united exceptional players, colleagues, and friends. Throughout this incredible journey, our community has flourished, thanks to the unwavering support of partners like Absa Bank Uganda. We deeply value their dedication to enhancing the sport of golf in Uganda,” he said.
“We believe that such events can truly be game-changers in propelling Ugandan golfers onto the international stage. We believe every story matters and by supporting the Captain’s Bell Tournament and the Uganda Golf Club, we are making our contribution to the story of golf in Uganda,” Mumba added.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, the minister of state of sports was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Absa Bank Uganda contributed Ug.Shs 152,000,000 to finance the tournament smooth running.
