Prisons take no prisoners as Ankunda snaps gold
Bridge Byamukama attempts to gate the ball during the day two action at Mbale Golf Club. PHOTO/GEORGE KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
In woodball, the top four score for the team. Although Rugongeza finished fourth with 142 strokes, a combined effort from Isaac Ariho (144), Davis Wabusa (151) and Abednego Okello (103) was enough to secure gold.
It was a day of firsts! First, Mbale hosted the prestigious Coral Coatings-sponsored national woodball open for the first time at the golf club while the newly upgraded city elected their first executive committee after forming a club this month.
On the fairways, cut-throat competition among the 42 participating teams could be felt even under the serene surroundings.
It was an unlikely winner, Derrick Ankunda, an engineering student of Ndejje University, who emerged the men’s champion to win his first individual silverware since joining woodball while Christine Birungi of Ndejje University defied the odds to defend the women’s title.
Bullish Prisons
Let’s call this Prisons’ take no prisoners tour of 2022.
Bullish, experienced and unrelenting, Prisons Woodball Club, that were formed this year under Samson Rugongeza, won their championship this season.
Starting with a bronze in the Kyambogo Open, Uganda Prisons Service team wore gold during the well-attended Ndejje Open and were silver medallists at the Ndejje corporate championship.
In woodball, the top four score for the team. Although Rugongeza finished fourth with 142 strokes, a combined effort from Isaac Ariho (144), Davis Wabusa (151) and Abednego Okello (103) was enough to secure gold.
"We are not the best group of players. We do not have the best players. But we are a team. We want to win and always give it our all," Rugongeza said.
The combination of Lillian Zawedde, Sophie Namuddu, Sandra Nabaggala and Joan Najjuma combined 433 strokes to win the overall women title to edge Ndejje University and Eminents, who took the other podium places.
All hail Ankunda
The spectacular plays by the Ndejje University student had opponents and teammates alike shaking their heads after Ankunda was announced the men's champion in a field that had Thomas Kedi (woodballer of the year) and Israel Muwanguzi. He attributes the triumph to a bit of luck.
“Up to now I even feel scared [sic] being my first medal to win. God was on my side. I am really happy. It is my first big tournament to play. I work hard to improve on my game standards. I now want to win more,” Ankunda said.
In the absence of defending champion Joyce Nalubega, 24-year-old Christine Birungi rose to the top amidst strong offense from Nile Special woodballer of the year Joan Mukoova.
Birungi, who is arguably the most on-form player for Ndejje University was happy with the neat greens of the Mbale Golf Course.
“I came with a strategy to win here. The course is very good. Such courses are good for me because they allow a good drive,” Birungi said.
Coral Coatings Woodball Open
Juniors - boys
Edward Katumba (BBA) - 25
Rihan Babu (Nalugala) - 26
Jonathan Kiyimba (N. Road) - 27
Juniors - girls
Juliet Mbasige (BBA) - 26
Sylivia Nakate (BBA) - 28
Nusurah Namwenge (N. Road) - 30
Youth - boys
Timothy Nokorach (Olan) - 47
Godfrey Kawooya (Luzira) - 48
Emmanuel Atta (Olan) - 50
Youth - girls
Sarah Nakaweesi (Luzira SS) - 49
Brenda Anyimo (Luzira SS) - 49
Rebecca Ajambo (Mpoma) – 50
Men singles - stroke
Derrick Ankunda (Ndejje) 135
Israel Muwanguzi (Eminents) - 136
Robert Kikulwe (Makerere) 140
Women singles - stroke
Christine Birungi (Ndejje) - 156
Lilian Zawedde (NCWC) - 157
Mary Athieno (Stroke) - 160
Corporates women
Noeline Babirye (Kisubi) - 110
Phionah Namata (NCWC) - 116
Josephine Nantongo (BoU) - 121
Corporate men
Michael Musaazi (Kisubi) - 97
Vincent Kaganda (Zoe) - 104
Michael Makoha (NCWC) - 104
Uganda Open in Numbers
42 - Number of teams
504 - Participants with 304 men and 200 women
