Walakira, Mbaguta top the Akope Challenge amateur’s tournaments

Lawrence Walakira secured victory at the second edition of the Akope Golf Challenge, finishing with a score of 2-over 215 over 54 holes at Entebbe Club on Friday.

This marked Lance Corporal Walakira’s first career win, having started as a caddie at Entebbe Club before joining the UPDF golf team in 2019.

The tournament also celebrated a significant milestone for lady golfer Gloria Mbaguta, who claimed her first overall victory in a ladies' tournament after several top-five finishes over the past seven years.

Lawrence Walakira (right) is showered by his fans after he won the Akope Challenge at Entebbe Club. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“It’s unimaginable! It is a good feeling,” Walakira said. “I know it wasn’t entirely in my power and skill but in God as well. I prayed and fasted for over six days, and God answered my prayers. When I settle down, I will thank him in a special way,” Walakira, who notched an overall two eagles and 7 birdies, stated.

From a midtable finisher to now a champion, Walakira is looking to one day become a pro because he admires the professional golfers.

“This win comes almost after ten years because I took a break, went for military training for three years then came back but at one time I felt I had picked up form but then the usual frustrations crept in.

“But I think this is the beginning of something great. I’m now going to be ranked, so I’m happy about that as well, and it is going to boost my confidence and help me improve my performance.”

Walakira showed his intentions early when he led the opening round with level-par 71 but would trail Joseph Kasozi by two strokes after the second after Kasozi played 2-under 69 with the former carding 73.

But he wrapped up the championship with another level-par 71 in the last round as Kasozi fumbled with a 76 to win by two strokes.

Gloria Mbaguta tees off on the 17th tee during the final round of the Akope Challenge. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"I was two strokes behind after the second round, but in my heart, I felt that if I was losing to Kasozi, it was alright because he is more experienced than I am and is a national team player. Finishing second wouldn't be a big deal. However, after my first nine holes in the final round, I realized I could win because I had taken the lead by one stroke."

The 28-year-old was all praises for the late professional golfer Brian Toolit, who shaped his game before he fell sick and later died early this year and before he was tutored by Entebbe pro Davis Kato who he credits for the win.

"I enjoyed the first round the most because Kato advised me to go out, have fun, and not put pressure on myself, and I followed that advice. The last round was a bit more stressful, but I focused on playing one shot at a time." Walakira, who pocketed sh1.7m out of the sh5m for the amateurs, noted.

Mbaguta was also ecstatic after she beat her usual tormentors, Meron Kyomugisha and Martha Babirye, to the championship by two and six strokes, respectively, to pocket sh800,000 out of the sh2m for the ladies.

Her opening round of four-over 75 was one of her best gross scores on the Entebbe Course, and she never looked back as she avoided shooting in the 80s over the three rounds.

“The most important thing is that I am now going to be ranked. This achievement has been a long time coming, as I have consistently finished as a runner-up and among the top five multiple times,” Mbaguta said.

“My opening round was fantastic; I hit five birdies in a single round, along with excellent chipping and putting, which made it one of my best performances on this course. I feel great to be joining the four ranked ladies in the country. If we consider normal participation, I have consistently finished in the top four. I’m thrilled to have secured my first overall win in a ranked tournament organized by a professional who has always encouraged me. It feels amazing,” Mbaguta stated.

For the last five years, she has been on the edge of success, working diligently to make it to the top, but players like Flavia Namakula and Eva Magala did not give her the chance.

“However, when they turned professional, I graduated to the top five and have maintained a position in the top four for the last five years. My goal now is to participate in more ranked tournaments so that I can improve my ranking to below 1000,” Mbaguta, whose current index is 2.0 and who finished fifth in the same tournament last year, added.

Results: Top five men

Lawrence Walakira 71 73 71 215

Joseph Kasozi        73 69 76 218

Reagan Akena        77 74 70 221

Elton Thembo         79 74 70 221

Godfrey Kambale    76 71 77

Top five ladies

Gloria Mbaguta       75 77 79 213

Meron Kyomugisha 78 78 77 233

Martha Babirye       79 74 84 237

Joyce Kisembo        83 83 80 246

Harriet Kitaka         86 80 81 247