Joseph Cwinya-ai surged into the lead at the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Golf Open on Thursday at Entebbe Club with 2-over 73, bringing his total to 146.
While Kenya’s Adel Balala started strong with a 69 on Wednesday, his hopes of remaining in the final group slipped away after a disappointing round of 82, tying him for eighth with Abdallah Kakooza.
Cwinya-ai, the 2021 champion, demonstrated his prowess with an eagle on the par-5 seventh and four birdies across the back nine. The only hiccup in his round was a double bogey on the 17th.
Cwinya-ai,who was third on day one, is just a stroke ahead of Joseph Reagan Akena, who also posted a 73 in the second round, the same score he had on day one.
Abdul Kakeeto and Michael Tumusiime are just three shots behind, tied for third. Tumusiime, who was in contention for the lead, saw his chances diminish with a costly triple bogey on the final hole.
Defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga, currently based in the US, recovered with a 72, placing him tied for 14th with Musa Kirya on a total of 154.
The day’s standout performances came from young golfers Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo, both shooting level-par rounds of 71.
With the course proving unpredictable, the leaderboard remains volatile, leaving room for golfers like Samuel Bazaale, Titus Okwong, and even Balala to make a comeback.
Friday’s round will feature a subsidiary event for Group C golfers, with Group B set to compete on Saturday.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship’s co-sponsors include ABSA Bank, NBS, Pinnacle Security, Aquafina, Orchard Interiors, MTN, Case Medical Services, Medisell, and the Uganda Golf Union.
