Joseph Cwinya-ai converted his commanding halfway lead into victory at the Pearl of Africa Golf Series in Entebbe, closing with a 3-over 75 to finish on a total of 210, three-under par.
The Ugandan golfer, who had dominated the opening two rounds with scores of 68 and 67, did just enough on the final day to stay clear of the chasing pack, securing the title by five strokes.
Abdallah Kakooza finished second on 215, two-over par, after posting a consistent final round of 71. He had remained within reach heading into the last day but was unable to mount a serious charge as Cwinya-ai managed the course under pressure.
There was a tie for third place at 217, four-over par, with Reagan Joseph Akena producing one of the best rounds of the day, a 69, to climb the leaderboard. He finished alongside Juma Abiti, who followed his impressive second-round 68 with a steady 71.
Joseph Kasozi and Andrew Ssekibejja shared fifth place on 218, while Elton Thembo and Shaka Kariisa tied for seventh at 219.
Godfrey Kambale placed ninth on 220, with Amon Bwambale, Mackinon Masereka and Dominic Musoke completing the top ten at 223.
Martha Babirye, who had been among the leading contenders after two rounds, slipped to 13th place following a closing 79, ending the tournament on 226.
Cwinya-ai’s victory earned him UGX 1,500,000, the largest share of the amateur prize pool. Kakooza took home UGX 1,050,000, while Akena and Abiti each received UGX 700,000 for their joint third-place finishes. Kasozi and Ssekibejja earned UGX 525,000 apiece.
The win caps a strong showing for Cwinya-ai, who had earlier expressed a desire to push into double digits under par but ultimately had to settle for a more measured finish as conditions and pressure tightened in the final round.
