Captain’s Bell glory for Nasaaba and Nampeewo at Kitante

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Junior golfer Calvin Nasaaba and lady golfer Julia Joan Nampeewo emerged as the top winners of the Absa Captain’s Bell Golf Tournament's main event, held at Kitante on Saturday.

Nasaaba scored 41 Stableford points, while Nampeewo secured 40 points. Competing off handicaps of 24 and 14, respectively, the two golfers outperformed a strong field of 240 participants across different divisions.

This marked Nampeewo’s first win at the Captain’s Bell tournament, although she had previously made it to the podium twice this year with victories in Entebbe and at Lake Victoria Serena.

“I think this was meant to be my day because everything worked out for me—from driving to chipping and putting. Every shot was good. Even when I didn't chip very well, I managed to save par and didn't score any double bogeys,” said Nampeewo, who is part of the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

She narrowly edged out competitors such as Edrae Kagombe (41 points), Aurelia Akol (40 points), and both Bertram Mpora and Jackie Kamunyu, who finished with 39 points.

David Wandera, the newly elected Managing Director of Absa, also participated in the tournament, finishing as the second runner-up in the men’s Group C with 39 points.

He described the event as exceptional, noting, “Golf offers not just a chance to compete, but also a chance to learn patience. It teaches us valuable lessons and allows us to build friendships and connections.”

Wandera praised Captain Paul Rukundo and the entire committee for their efforts in elevating the club. He also pledged continued support for the sport, including sending golfers to events such as the Kenya Magical Open.

Among the attendees were several top Absa executives, including board chairman Keith Kalyegira and Moses Rutahigwa, the retail and business banking director.

In earlier competitions for elite amateurs and professionals, Joseph Cwinyaai and Deo Akope posted record scores of 16 and 11 under par, respectively, to win their categories.

The four-day event was sponsored by Absa, Mighty Rides, Pepsi, and Case Medical Services.

Overall winners

Calvin Nasaaba 40pts

Julia Nampeewo 41pts

Group A

David Kalenzi 39c/b

Aggrey Mutaka 39

Gilbert Asiimwe 38

Group B

Paul Ekudu 39

Collins Mwesigwa 37

Michael Monne 36

Group C

Betram Mpora 39c/b

Andrew Oluka 39

David Wandera 39

Group A-ladies

Jackie Kamunyu 39pts

Arianna Bholim 34

Jenina Nasimolo 33

Group B

Edrae Kagombe 41pts

Alexis Akol 40

Olivia Nakuya 39

Seniors

Dominic Tumwesigye 36c/b

Absorom Nabisiima 36c/b

Jennifer Opio 36

Grace Kabonero 35

Juniors

Gabriel Amani 35

Ariana Tumwesigye 18

Guest winner

Mathew Nviiri 48pts

Longest drive

Charles Mubiru

Alexis Akol

Nearest to the pin

David Ssekitoleko

Julia Naampeewo

Piga Mingi

Josephine Babirye