Rugongeza defends Ndejje Open as Prisons tighten gates

Samson Rugongeza returned to Ndejje University in Luweero District to defend the title he claimed in 2019, while Jackie Naula won her first major topping the women during a well-attended Ndejje Open on Saturday.
A strong 59-man cast included re-ignited Onesmas Atamba, national team players Ronald Mulindwa, Israel Muwanguzi, Thomas Keddi, Robert Mutiibwa and Bridge Byamukama, yet Rugongeza, who started a woodball club in the Uganda Prisons at Luzira, comfortably secured his second Ndejje Open title.

The former Ndejjeq Corporates player said: “I felt strong and comfortable throughout. This Open was very tough but thank God I came on top.”
Rugongeza’s 45 strokes was only good for third in first round as teammate Abed Okello (43) and Daniel Apita (44) led. 

But it is his consistency that mattered most as he returned 44 in the second round to win with a total of 89 strokes, two better than Eminents’ Joel Adupa.
Rugongeza’s performance, complimented by Okello, Isaac Ariho and Isaac Nabugere, secured team gold with 404 strokes. Mubs (414) were second with Ndejje Corporates third on 419 strokes.
“Such a win is important in building a strong team at Prisons and I am happy we did it,” he said.

Naula over the moon
Makerere University Business School (Mubs) new acquisition Naula was rapt to secure her first major gold after joining the Nakawa side in December.
The former Ndejje University reserve player edged hot pursuit Joyce Nalubega by one stroke winning with 95 strokes. Lilian Zawedde was third with 99.

“In the second round, I pushed a little bit more, concentrating on my drives and gating. It is amazing that all things were in harmony in the second round. It really feels cool,” Naula said.

But her efforts were not enough to secure Mubs team gold after the quartet of Nalubega, Joan Mukoova, Elizabeth Nambeguya and Pauline Nakayenga secured enough points for Eminents to take that right. Mubs could only finish outside the podium places behind Lady woods and Ndejje University.

Ndejje Woodball Open
Select results – SENIOR MEN
1.Samson Rugongeza    Prisons    89
2.Joel Adupa    Eminents    92
3.Onesmas Atamba    NCWC    94
Senior women
1.Jackie Naula    Mubs    95
2.Joyce Nalubega    Eminents    96
3.Lilian Zawedde     Lady Woods    99
Overall - women
1.Eminents     412
2.Lady Woods     426
3.Ndejje University    434
Overall - men
1.Uganda Prisons    404
2.Mubs     414
3.Ndejje Corporates    419
[email protected]