Zambian golfer Dominic Musonda turned last year’s disappointment into triumph on Friday, winning the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Amateur Championship at Uganda Golf Club.
Musonda, who finished runner-up in last year’s championship, held his nerve in the final round to finish on nine-under-par 279, three shots clear of compatriot Gilbert Chalwe.
The Nkana Golf Club player carded rounds of 72, 68, 64 and 75, with his brilliant third-round 64 proving decisive in his pursuit of the title.
After moving into contention with a four-under 68 in the second round, Musonda produced the lowest round of the championship on Thursday to open a six-shot lead heading into Friday’s final round.
He stretched that advantage to as many as 10 shots on the front nine, giving himself enough breathing room to withstand Chalwe’s challenge.
Musonda eventually closed with a 75, while Chalwe shot 72 to finish second on 282 and complete a historic Zambian one-two.
The victory also made Musonda Zambia’s first-ever winner of the Uganda Amateur Open.
“I am very happy because I came here with the goal of winning,” Musonda said. “When I finished second last year, I was motivated to come back and try again.”
“I am very grateful, because winning after what happened last year makes this victory special. It gives me confidence and shows me that the work I have been putting in has paid off.”
Defending champion Joseph Cwinya-ai finished third on 290 after closing with a 70.
Cwinya-ai had struggled in the opening two rounds and was left with too much ground to recover, although he responded strongly with a 69 in the third round before finishing with a 70.
Joseph Kasozi was fourth on 291, while Lawrence Walakira, Joel Okoth, Musamba Kapoma and John Musiimenta shared fifth on 294.
Walakira produced one of the day’s standout closing rounds, carding 70 that included seven birdies.
Godfrey Kambale and Sande Lulet completed the top 10 on 296.
There was also a memorable moment for Ignatious Twesigye, who recorded his first-ever hole-in-one on the fourth hole after striking a 50-degree wedge that found the bottom of the flag.
Musonda was presented with the championship trophy by Uganda Golf Union president Dr Jackson Were, alongside his predecessor Moses Matsiko and Tournament Director and UGU Vice President Paul Rukundo.
His victory capped a Uganda Open that once again showcased the growing continental appeal of the tournament.
Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche won the Ladies Open, while Uganda’s Elijah Luutu claimed the Seniors title, before Musonda completed the championship categories with his Amateur victory.
Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda said the diversity of winners reflected the spirit of African connection that the brand seeks to promote through the championship.
“That is what makes this year’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Open special for us. It is a platform where Africans from different countries and different generations can meet, compete and celebrate together,” Kyokunda said.
She added that the Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange was designed to take that interaction beyond golf by bringing together African music, fashion, art, food and culture.
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