Mutebi maintains lead as twenty make the cut in the POA Golf Series

Entebbe Club's Herman 'Deco' Mutebi held onto his lead as twenty golfers advanced after the second round of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at Entebbe Club on Thursday.

Mutebi recorded a second-round score of two-under-par 69, giving him a three-stroke lead. He is joined at the top by Kampala's Rodell Gaita, who shot a three-under-par 68, moving him up from third place to a tie for first as the cut was made in the 72-hole, sh25 million tournament.

Mutebi dominated the course with three birdies on the par-5 holes 7 and 11, and the par-3 hole 12, along with an impressive eagle on the par-4 hole 12. Despite Gaita's strong second round, where he made five birdies—just shy of the six he achieved in the opening round—Mutebi held firm at the top. Gaita's performance pushed David Kamulindwa, the co-leader from the first round, down to third place, now trailing by three strokes.

Twenty golfers, including lady golfer Irene Nakalembe, will compete for the sh25 million prize money. As per tradition, a cut was made after the second round. Unfortunately, Ronald Otile, who started strongly by placing among the top six with a level par score of 71 in the first round, missed the cut due to a difficult second round. He recorded four double bogeys on the par 4 holes 3, 4, and 14, as well as on the par 5 hole 18, which left him missing the cut by two strokes. He was joined by Deo Akope and Peter Sendaula, both of whom carded scores of 152 over the two rounds. Thirteen other professional golfers will also watch the remaining two rounds on the sidelines as they too missed the cut.

In the amateurs' competition, another player from the Entebbe Club, Elton Thembo, maintained his lead by scoring one-under 70, just as he did in the opening round. He now holds a one-stroke advantage over Michael Tumusiime, who also carded a one-under 70, and Samuel Bazaale, who finished with a level-par score of 71. Joseph Akena and Joseph Kasozi are currently three and four strokes behind, respectively, as they head into the final round of their 54-hole contest for a share of 5 million shillings.

Joseph Cwinyaai was the player of the day returning 68, ten strokes better than his opening round. He could be the surprise package on the final day if he replicates Thursday's scores.

Sponsors of the Pearl of Africa Series include Home Bliss Fort Portal, Uganda Golf Union, Aquafina, Vivo Energy, MTN, Entebbe Golf Club and Mighty Rides.

Round 2 – Top ten

Herman Mutebi         68 69 137

Rodell Gaita              69 68 137

David Kamulindwa    68 72 140

Abraham Ainamani   70 72 142

Davis Kato                70 73 143

Bulhan Matovu         72 71 143

Silver Opio                72 71 143

Saidi Mawa               76 68 144

Grace Kasango          72 73 145

Adolf Muhumuza      72 73 145

Opio Onito                76 69 145

Round 2 – Top five amateurs

Elton Thembo 70 70 140

Michael Tumusiime 71 70 141

Samuel Bazaale 70 71 141

Joseph Akena 73 70 143

Joseph Kasozi 71 73 144