Uganda team on Saturday evening, defeated their arch rivals Kenya to win the 2025 edition of the Victoria Cup Golf Tournament at the Mt. Kipipiri Golf Resort.
Uganda sealed victory with a total of 14.5 points, defeating champions and hosts Kenya, who finished with 11.5 points and this triumph marks only the second time Uganda has lifted the trophy in the nine-year history of the biennial competition.
Kenya mounted a fierce challenge, winning four consecutive single games to narrow the gap. However, Uganda’s Titus Okwong and John Musiimenta steadied the ship with impressive victories, while Joseph Reagan Akena’s half-point against Ebill Omollo sealed the deal for Uganda.
The team’s captain, Joseph Cwinya-ai, upped his match against Kevin Anyien, ensuring Uganda’s overall victory.
The win was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, and a welcome reversal of last year’s disappointment.
Uganda’s victory was coached by Flavia Namakula, with Paul Habyarimana serving as team manager. The team’s success is also a nod to the efforts of former President Moses Matsiko and incumbent Jackson Were, who have championed junior golf development. Three juniors; Mayende, Ssemakula, and Otukei were part of the winning team.
The Victoria Cup, named after the iconic Lake Victoria that binds Kenya and Uganda, has grown into one of East Africa’s most celebrated golfing events since its inception in 2016. Modeled after the Ryder Cup, this match-play tournament showcases the region’s top amateur talent in a test of strategy, teamwork, and resilience.
Kenya has historically dominated the competition, securing outright victories in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022, while Uganda broke the streak with a memorable win in 2019. The 2023 edition, delayed to early 2024, ended in a 11-11 tie after rain disrupted the final rounds at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante allowing Kenya to retain the trophy as defending champions.
The Four-ball better-ball team golf format being used in the Victoria Cup, is traditionally used in the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup.
VICTORIA CUP WINNERS
2016 – Kenya
2017 – Kenya
2018 – Kenya
2019 – Uganda
2020-2021 – Not held due to COVID-19
2022 – Kenya
2023 – Not held due to technicalities
2024 – Stalemate
2025 – Uganda
