For about three years now, Joseph Cwinyaai has been in pursuit of the horizons in amateur golf in the country.
If anything, he could have felt different at the beginning of the week when secured an all-expenses-paid trip to Kenyan capital Nairobi after winning the first leg of the NCBA Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club (UGC).
The national team star qualified for the grand finale to be played at the Karen Country Club in November after returning an unmatched score of 70 gross to beat a field of 220 competitors at UGC in Kitante.
The tournament brought together 220 golfers, including some of Uganda leading amateur golfers, who competed for top honours and an opportunity to represent Uganda at the prestigious NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale to be held at the renowned Karen Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya, later this year.
Joseph Cwinyaai carded an overall 2-under 70 to win the first Uganda leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, held at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC), Kitante.
The national team player consequently became the first of two winners from Uganda to enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Nairobi to compete in the grand finale, to be played at the Muthaiga Golf Club in November.
‘The round was easy and good though the conditions are tough since it’s a dry season,’ Cwinyaai described his performance.
The handicap -2.3 player delivered consistency to expectedly conquer the stage at the par-72 course. ‘I will say yes since it was a gross event however much it was a one day event,’ Cwinyaai affirmed his expectations to win.
He struck four birdies at the par-5 Holes No.1, No.5, No.8 and No.15 and it could have been splendid had it not been the bogeys at the par-4 Hole No.14 and the par-3 Hole No.17.
Cwinyaai beat UGC-bred John Musiimenta by a stroke while Gilbert Asiimwe and Aggrey Mutaka both shot 75 gross but the former took third place on count-back.
The UGC leg of the NCBA Series is a part of the regional circuit spanning 25 golf courses across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
‘The NCBA Golf Series was born out of a desire to do more for the sport of golf,’ NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer Mark Muyobo remarked.
‘At NCBA, we bank on belief and empower ambitions. Our commitment to the NCBA Golf Series reflects our belief in the power of sport to transform lives, unlock potential and inspire excellence. Through this platform, we are investing not only in the future of golf but also in the future of East Africa’s sporting talent,’ added Muyobo.
Entebbe Club will host the second leg of the NCBA Series on October 3, with the overall winner joining Cwinyaai to Nairobi.
NCBA GOLF SERIES
UGC LEG RESULTS
Overall Winner: Joseph Cwinyai 70 Gross
Overall Winner (L): Marther Babirye 77 Gross
Runner-Up (M): John Musiimenta 71 Gross
Runner-Up (L): Judith Komugisha 80 Gross
3rd Place: Gilbert Asiimwe 75 Gross
4th Place: Aggrey Mutaka 75 Gross
Junior Winner: Sean Kusaasira Nsereko 80 Gross
Guest Winner: Raymond Ekwamu 66 Nett
GROUP WINNERS
DIVISION 2 HC 13-24
Winner (M): Ashwin Patel 62 Nett
Winner (L): Zhang Fangyi 68 Nett
DIVISION 3 HC 25-45
Winner (M): Peter Oola 70 Nett