Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche produced a composed final round to win the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Golf Championship on Saturday at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

Wanyeche finished the three-round championship on 228 strokes, 12 over par, after rounds of 77, 77 and 74 to edge Uganda’s Peace Kabasweka and Keisha Kagoro, who tied for second on 229.

Kabasweka and Kagoro had been the main focus for much of the final round, repeatedly exchanging the lead as the championship went down to the wire.

Kabasweka made a fast start, picking up three birdies in her first four holes to close the gap on Kagoro, who had also opened with a birdie.

Wanyeche, however, stayed within touching distance and waited for her opportunity.

The decisive moment came on the 17th hole when Wanyeche made a crucial par while both Kabasweka and Kagoro dropped shots with bogeys.

That left Wanyeche just one stroke behind heading to the final hole.

Kagoro’s challenge then unravelled after she went for the pin with her second shot but found the bunker. She failed to escape on her first attempt and, despite getting out on the second, was left with too much ground to recover.

Wanyeche held her nerve to make another par and finish on 228, putting the pressure firmly on Kabasweka.

Kabasweka needed to sink her final putt to force a playoff, but missed the crucial attempt, sparking celebrations from Wanyeche’s Tanzanian supporters around the 18th green.

“The game was not easy, but I kept fighting and I thank God for being with me. I never gave up, even when I was behind from the first day,” Wanyeche said.

“I came here to fight for the trophy because everyone comes to a tournament wanting to win. Today, my shot game was better than in the first two rounds, especially my chipping, which helped me stay close to the hole and finish well.”

Wanyeche said she believed a playoff was possible as she approached the final hole.

“Even on the 18th, I believed that if we tied, we would go to a playoff, but God said there was no need. It was my time. I’m very excited and happy to finally win this championship,” she added.

The Tanzanian revealed that this was not her first close call at the Uganda Ladies Open, having previously finished second at Entebbe after losing by one shot on the 18th hole.

“I have played the Uganda Ladies Open many times, and my previous best was second at Entebbe, where I lost by one shot on the 18th. The competition was very strong, but today it was my luck and my time,” she said.

Wanyeche also thanked her supporters for helping her secure an air ticket to compete in this year’s championship.

The victory extends Tanzania’s strong record in the Uganda Ladies Open over the past decade. Wanyeche becomes the fourth Tanzanian champion since 2017, following Angel Eaton in 2017, Neema Olomi in 2018 and Iddy Madina in 2024.

Meanwhile, the championship concluded with the She Walks 19th-hole celebration, which brought together women from different backgrounds to connect, share experiences and celebrate women making strides in sport, business and society.

Speaking on behalf of Johnnie Walker, Uganda Breweries Limited Marketing Manager for Premium Spirits Judie Nandekya applauded the golfers and said the initiative was aimed at celebrating women who continue to push boundaries.

“Golf is a game of courage, confidence and resilience, qualities that women demonstrate every day as they take on new challenges, break barriers and create opportunities for others,” Nandekya said.

“I congratulate all the ladies that took to the course over the last three days; you’re our heroes today.”

She added that She Walks was creating a platform for women to connect, support, mentor and inspire one another.

Uganda Ladies Golf Union President Ritah Apel also praised the championship for providing women with an opportunity to compete at the highest level and encouraging more women to take up golf.

“The Ladies Open inspires women, gives women an opportunity to compete at the highest level and encourages more women to take up the game,” Apel said.

“We are happy to see more ladies joining golf, and we believe that with continued support and initiatives like these, the future of women’s golf in Uganda is very bright.”

The 19th-hole celebration, hosted by media personality Miss Deedan, also featured a performance from Ugandan singer Naava Grey.

Attention now shifts to the Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open, which tees off on Friday, August 21.