Overview:
In some of the interesting ties, all female pairing Joyce Kisembo and Lillian Koowe, a former winning pair defeated the duo of Brian Omeda and Dennis Akankunda 3/2. Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, playing with Elly Mukasa won 6&5 over Andrew Kibaya and Edward Kabuchu.
The first round of the 2026 Entebbe Stanbic Match Play Challenge was successfully held at the par-71 lakeside Entebbe club on Saturday, 28th March.
A massive field of 180 golfers took part in the successful day-long championship blessed by sunny weather conditions.
These included those in the main draw for the 32 matches (128 players), and the rest were in the subsidiary cluster.
There were close, spirited displays as well as one-sided contests among the different pairings.
In some of the interesting ties, an all-female pair of Joyce Kisembo and Lillian Koowe, a former winning pair, defeated the duo of Brian Omeda and Dennis Akankunda 3/2.
Kisembo and Koowe will now take on another all-female pairing, Edrea Kagombe and Evelyne Atukunda, at the second round.
Another former triumphant pair of Isaac Mariera and John Muchiri won on the 1st play-off hole over Michael Sekadde and Cesar Barole.
Entebbe Club captain Serwano Walusimbi, playing with Paul Katuramu, needed a first-hole play-off win over Milton Edimu and Lloyd Busuulwa.
Former Uganda Golf Union president Innocent Kihika and Morris Ongwech won 4&2 over Moses Ssebugwawo and Charles Odere.
Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, playing with Elly Mukasa, won 6&5 over Andrew Kibaya and Edward Kabuchu.
Kabalaza club captain Paul Nsereko combined forces with Patrick Mugisha to win 3/2 over Marvin Kagoro and Oscar Semawere.
“We recorded a sweet victory, and it is attributed to the superb training we have had. This match play is about the right chemistry between the players, and we had it,” Nsereko spoke of their victory.
Nsereko and teammate will square up against Charles Kabunga and Steven Kitamirike during the second round in April.
Charles Kabunga and Steven Kitamirike won 1 UP over Paul Kaheru and Maxi Byenkya.
Godfrey Byamugisha and Bob Drani defeated Musa Baguma and Brian Nsubuga 2&1, whilst Mark Musinguzi and Brian Manyindo overcame Twinemanzi Tumubweine and Robbins Mwehaire 1 UP.
Anthony Agaba and Daniel Kalungi beat Arthur Gwaku and Dave Plendelith 3&2.
Meanwhile, Aggrey Mutaka with Saleh Kalema won on the 1st playoff hole over David Kateregga and Charles Kizito.
Subsidiary top performers:
In the subsidiary cluster, Samson Agamile scored 36 points to topple group A ahead of left-hander Paul Ndyaguma (33 points).
Daniel Opwonya (36 points) won group B with James O’Sullivan playing second fiddle (35 points, countback).
John Sebuliba took group C (39 points), one point better than Isaac Kyoyagala.
Peace Hellen (41 points) triumphed in the ladies’ group A ahead of Martha Babirye (34 points, on countback).
Sheila Ajok scored 35 points to win Group B ahead of Phionah Namanya (33 points).
Side-bets:
Isaiah Tugumenawe and Martha Babirye were outstanding male and female winners for longest drive respectively.
Nice Janda swung nearest to the pin (ladies) and Sula Serugo was best in men’s nearest to the pin.
Round two will be played on 11th April 2026 at Entebbe Club with 16 matches lined up in the main category.
Sponsors:
Stanbic Bank Uganda is the headline sponsor with other partners including CFAO Mobility, Johnnie Walker, Uganda Airlines and Afrisafe Insurance.
