Captain UGC’s Bell Tournament:
Overall winners:
- Men: Dickson Agaba– 40 Points
- Ladies: Bernadette Musanabera – 41 Points
Professionals:
- Deo Akope – 69, 71 (140)
The 2022 Absa Bank Tournament, sponsored by Uganda Golf Club Captain’s Bell, will leave lasting memories and impressions.
From the explicit organization, the overwhelming turnout, the incredible branding, the tantalizing prizes won, to the passion of the golfers who braved the early morning rain to grace the final day, everything was top notch.
At the end of the busy showdown where more than 300 members showed up, Dickson Agaba and Bernadatte Musanabera were crowned male and female winners respectively.
Playing with an 11 handicap, Agaba scored 40 stableford points to topple the rest of the men’s crop.
Handicap 26 golfer Musanabera scored 41 stableford points to take control of the women’s group in a championship that officially marked the start of new captain Emmanuel Wamala’s era.
Wamala took over from Patrick Billy, whose tenure was largely grayed out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exclusive sponsors Absa Bank powered virtually everything at this tournament which also hosted the professional category for two days with the legendary Deo Akope leading to win the bulk of the Shs. 10,000,000 pot in total.
The atmosphere at 19and hole, tasty food and afloat drinks rushed the 19and happiness of the hole as the various performers were rewarded with various prizes ranging from trophies, golf balls, golf carts, golf bags, wines to other goodies.
The famous Barclays Bank at the UGC terraces has been officially renamed Absa UGC Bar.
In his acceptance speech, new captain Emmanuel Wamala praised Absa Bank for the special cooperation with Uganda Golf Club over the years, praising in particular the current Managing Director Mumba Kalifugwa.
Wamala, in a special way, appreciated the golfers who braved the hostile rainy weather to honor this historic annual championship which was played from colonial times until 1908.
The UGC Captain’s Bell Golf Tournament has been played traditionally since 1908 during the days of Captain AC Tomkins. It is a question of inaugurating the new executive of the captain. I thank Absa Bank for supporting Uganda Golf Club since time immemorial, especially MD Mumba Kalifungwa. I thank the outgoing executive for the excellent work done in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. To the golfers, congratulations for having braved the first rains for this great tour.
Emmanuel Wamala, Captain of the Uganda Golf Club (UGC)
Captain Wamala made optimal use of this platform to introduce his entire executive to the members.
Paul Nuwagaba is also vice-captain and secretary of the course.
He also sits on the Strategy and Planning Committee. Ruth Ssali is the honorary secretary, Patrick Kagoro as the honorary treasurer.
Appointed members include; Hillary Ndungutse, Paul Charles Rukundo (Competition and PR Secretary), Rodah Kimera (F&B Secretary) and Dorren Mwesigye.
Meanwhile, Grace Kabonero is the captain.
Absa Bank Managing Director Kalifungwa wished the new leaders success in performing their services.
“Absa Bank is very proud to be associated with the Uganda Golf Club. We promise to remain an integral part of the activities of this historic club. May this year be a year filled with success for Emmanuel Wamala and your entire executive,” revealed.
Other winners:
Teenager Mercy Ssebagala scored 49 points to win the guest golf category.
Joseph Kimani won group A men, Justine Ligyalingi won group B and Bernard Katehanga was the best in group C.
Peace Muyege was outstanding in Women’s Group A with 36 points (countdown) over Aidah Khamis.
Brenda Baraka (36 points) toppled the rest of the Group B women ahead of Eva Araduha (33 points) and Maureen Nasimolo (29 points).
Henry Mbonye (19 points) was the most tired golfer (pinga mingi).
Veteran Jeninah Nasimolo won the women’s prize closest to the pin (par 3 hole 9) and Gilbert Assimwe won the men’s prize.
Longest route:
Bernedette Musanebera and Ibra Bagalana won the respective longest female and male drives on the par 5 of hole 18.
Absa Bank staff had a Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) golf clinic with basic lessons on how to firmly handle a golf club, drive, chip and putt.
