Akope, Agaba & Musanabera top performers at Captain’s Bell Golf Tournament

Deo Akope, Dickson Agaba, and Bernadette Musanabera emerged top performers in their respective categories at the Absa Bank Uganda sponsored Captain’s Bell Golf Tournament that came to a close on Saturday at Uganda Golf Club’s par-72 golf course in Kitante, Kampala.

Podium finishers at the Captain’s Bell Golf Tournament display their accolades on Saturday night.

Akope won the professional event of the tournament that was played on Thursday and Friday, shooting 4 under par 140 in two rounds whilst Agaba and Musanabera emerged overall winners in the men’s and ladies’ categories of the main (amateur) event off 40 points (c/b) and 41 points respectively. Musanabera also won the ladies’ longest drive prize.

Akope bagged the biggest chunk of the UGX10M pro kitty courtesy of Absa Bank, plus wine whilst Agaba and Musanabera both received golf bags and wine.

The Captain’s Bell, held annually is played to usher in the new leadership of the club and this year it was played to welcome new Captain Emmanuel Wamala who replaced Patrick Billy and his committee. The former rang the bell on the podium to symbolize the start of his tenure.

“The day started with rains but by 7: 00 a.m we had members and other players here. We had a great turn up for the main competition…and I thank all of you for honoring this event,” new Captain Wamala said during the 19th hole experience at the club terrace.

Mumba Kalifungwa, Absa Bank Uganda’s Managing Director noted that they will be committed to maintaining the legacy of the tournament and the club as well. He also re-echoed their continued support towards the game of golf as sports as a whole in the country.

However, among other winners, Jenina Nasimolo claimed the ladies’ longest drive prize as well as emerging best senior lady with 31 points. Stephen Katwiremu was the best men’s senior player with 35 points on countback.

Youngster Mercy Sebagala was the guest winner with 49 points.

Brenda Maraka managed 36 points to win ladies Group B whilst Peace Muyege won ladies Group A off 36 points on countback.

In the men’s groups, Bernard Katechangwa won Group C with 40 points, Justin Ligyalingi won Group B with 40 points whilst Joseph Kimani won Group A with 39 points.

The Kitante Cup was claimed by Geoffrey Ojok off 11/10 over 36 holes whilst the Club Championship was won by Bagalana Ibra with 6/5 over 36 holes. The latter also won the men’s longest drive prize.

In the other side bet, Gilbert Asiimwe won the men’s nearest to the pin gong.

‘Piga Mingi’ accolade was taken by Henry Mbonye who managed 19 points. He was awarded a practice net and hopefully, he will return a much-improved score in his next engagement.