Dominic Musonda of Zambia will carry a two-shot advantage into the final round of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateurs Open Golf Championship after holding off Joseph Cwinyaai during a weather-affected third round at Lugazi Hills and Country Club.
Musonda, making his first competitive appearance in Uganda, is 8-under 205 after three days, two shots clear of Cwinyaai, the Uganda national team captain.
The Zambian champion, who opened the tournament with a two-shot lead before seeing it cut to one on day two, returned to a two-stroke cushion on Friday after carding level-par on the par-71 course.
Both Musonda and Cwinyaai opened with birdies on day three, with the leader posting a front-nine 31 that included four birdies. Cwinyaai stayed in touch with a 34, but heavy rain and swirling winds disrupted the back nine.
Musonda dropped three straight shots between holes 10 and 12 before steadying with a birdie at 13, only to give another back at 15. Cwinyaai also bogeyed the 10th and 11th.
“The wind and rain really changed things. The speed of the greens shifted, and the wet grass made it tricky,” Musonda said. “I lost a couple of easy shots because of the change in course condition. But I am confident that this tournament is mine.”
Cwinyaai remains optimistic heading into Saturday’s final round. “At one point I was four strokes behind the leader, but I managed to close the gap to two. The game is still very much on, with one day to go there is no room for error,” he said. “I’m definitely giving it my all.”
Behind the leading pair, Anthony Otukei sits third, nine shots adrift, followed by Abdul Kakeeto in fourth. Derrick Musana, Rogers Eyoyo, and Ibrahim Ssemakula share fifth place on 217.
Defending champion Reagan Akena, playing on his home course, is eighth at 218, while Godfrey Kambale, Elton Thembo, and Peter Tumusiime are tied ninth on 220.
The final day will also feature the subsidiary events, with the 19th Hole celebrations set to be headlined by radio personality Timothy Code and Melvyn DJ.
The 2025 edition of the championship is supported by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.
