Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche kept her composure when it mattered most to claim the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Golf Championship- on Saturday, August 15, evening. Uganda’s leading contenders were gripped with sudden pressure, making them fritter away their advantage right into Wanyeche’s hands.
The Tanzanian, who later revealed that legendary golfer- DeO Akope had pointed out how she’s one of the best players, but quite unlucky when it comes to winning, finished the three-round championship on 228 strokes, 12 over par (+12), after rounds of 77, 77 and 74, to edge Uganda’s Peace Kabasweka and Keisha Kagoro, who tied for second on 229 (+13).
For much of the final round, the spotlight had been firmly placed on the two Ugandans.
Kabasweka and Kagoro repeatedly traded the lead as the battle for the championship went down to the wire. Kabasweka made an explosive start, picking up three birdies in her first four holes to close in on Kagoro, who had also opened with a birdie.
With the two Ugandans locked together at the top at various stages, Wanyeche stayed within touching distance, quietly keeping herself in contention.
The decisive shift came on the 17th.
Wanyeche produced a crucial par on the par-three hole 17, while both Kabasweka and Kagoro dropped shots with bogeys. Heading onto the 18th, Wanyeche was only one stroke behind, setting up a tense finish.
Kabasweka and Kagoro, who had been joint leaders entering the final hole, were gripped with some kind of pressure, and could not maintain their advantage.
Kagoro’s challenge unravelled after she tried to go for the pin, on her second shot, but unfortunate found the bunker and failed to escape on her first attempt. She got out on her second attempt, but the recovery left her with too much ground to make up as she landed far from the pin.
Wanyeche, meanwhile, did exactly what she needed to do.
The Tanzanian held her nerve to make another par, finishing on an overall 228 and putting the pressure on Kabasweka to produce something special.
Kabasweka had the final putt of the championship. Sink it, and she would force a playoff with Wanyeche. But she missed the crucial putt.
As the ball failed to drop, Wanyeche’s Tanzanian supporters immediately rose into celebration around the 18th green.
The Ugandan title challenge had slipped away in the final moments.
“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. 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.
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. 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,” Wanyeche said, as she thanked her supporters who helped her get the air ticket to come for the tournament.
The victory also extends Tanzania’s impressive record in the Johnnie Walker 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 19th hole was transformed into a vibrant She Walks celebration, extending the spirit of the championship beyond the golf course and creating a platform dedicated to celebrating, mentoring and empowering women. The experience brought together women from different walks of life to connect, share experiences and celebrate the bold strides women continue to make in sport, business and society.
Speaking on behalf of Johnnie Walker, Judie Nandekya, Marketing Manager Premium Spirits at Uganda Breweries Limited, applauded the ladies that took to the course, and highlighted that the She Walks celebration reflected the brand’s commitment to celebrating women who continue to push boundaries and inspire others.
“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. I congratulate all the ladies that took to the course over the last three days; you’re our heroes today. The Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open gives us a powerful platform to celebrate those women and the bold steps they continue to take, both on and off the course. Through She Walks, we are creating a space where women can connect, support, mentor and inspire one another, while recognising that every bold step moves us, and those who come after us, forward,” Nandekya said.
Uganda Ladies Golf Union President- Ritah Apel, who was flanked by Uganda Golf Union President- Dr Jackson Were and his vice president Paul Rukundo, lauded the spirit of the championship.
“The Ladies Open inspires women, gives women an opportunity to compete at the highest level and encourages more women to take up the game. 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,” Apel said.
The 19th-hole experience, hosted by prominent media personality Miss Deedan, was headlined by a soulful performance from songstress Naava Grey, who had the gathering singing and dancing to some of her classics.
The spotlight now shifts to the Johnnie Walker Uganda Seniors Open, which tees off on Friday, August 21.
