Kitimbo strengthens Order of Merit lead after April Mug at UGC
Kitimbo beat Francis Tumwine and Manon Manoj by one and two strokes, respectively, to claim his first mug of the year and cement his top spot at the top of the order of merit table as the road to Sigona by Finaltus heats up.
The different winners pose alongside UGC captain Paul Rukundo (centre) and Stanbic's Head of Personal and Private Banking Arthur Kiwanuka (4th right) after the April Mug competition. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Michael Nsubuga
Sports journalist @New Vision
Roni Kitimbo returned 66 net to win the Uganda Golf Club’s Stanbic April mug at Kitante.
Kitimbo beat Francis Tumwine and Manon Manoj by one and two strokes, respectively, to claim his first mug of the year and cement his top spot at the top of the order of merit table as the road to Sigona by Finaltus heats up.
The event also attracted Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Kenneth Mumba Kalifungwa, who joined the day’s action, demonstrating impressive skill and precision on the lush fairways.
In the men's Group A Yunus Bbale edged Joseph Cwinyaai by a stroke, just like Fly Dubai’s Menon Manoj, who edged David Batanda by the same margin in Group B, as was Francis Tumwine against Andrew Ainemukama in Group C.
UGC captain Charles Rukundo (left) chats with Mumba Kalifungwa as they each wemnt about their round at Kitante, April 26, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Gloria Mbaguta and Martha Babirye were the top players in the ladies' Group A, just like Ruth Ssali and Peace Muyege in Group B.
“I am thrilled to participate in the Stanbic April Mug Challenge here at UGC. This is my second appearance since my appointment, with my first being in Entebbe during the Stanbic Matchplay, where I braved a heavy downpour to win at the 19th hole,” Kalifungwa shared tongue-in-cheek.
He said the tournament is a fantastic opportunity for community engagement and emphasized his commitment to supporting the growth of golf in Uganda. This year-long tournament not only showcases golfing talent but also highlights the crucial role of corporate sponsorships in promoting sports throughout the nation.
Arthur Kiwanuka, Stanbic's Head of Personal and Private Banking, reiterated the bank’s commitment to investing in golf.
“As a bank, we cherish being a part of our clients' lives, as Stanbic is more than just a financial institution; it represents a lifestyle. We believe in community engagement and fostering healthy lifestyles through sports, an agenda we don’t plan to drop anytime soon,” Kiwanuka stated.
Paul Rukundo, the captain of the Uganda Golf Club, warmly welcomed Kalifungwa, noting that his presence on the course encourages others to recognize golf’s potential as both a sport and community activity.
Results
Overall winner
Rino Kitimbo 65nett
Group A
Yunus Bbaale 68
Joseph Cwinyaai 69
Group B
Menoni Manoj 67
David Batanda 68
Group C
Francis Tumwine 66
Andrew Ainemukama 67c/b
Ladies
Gloria Mbaguta 69
Martha Babirye 71
Group B
Ruth Ssali 77c/b
Peace Muyege 77
Seniors
Onyango Matata 66
Jeniffer Opio 74
Guest winner
Bruce Aijuka 69
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