Mwanja and Wanzala retain Pepsi Independence Day Golf titles

Babirye receives prizes - a trophy, 40inch TV and goodies from Mukwano - from
 chief guest Minister Byabagambi and Pepsi Chief Amoz Nzeyi 

Pepsi Independence Golf 

Overall winners
Men
Becca Mwanja  41 Stableford points
Women
Martha Babirye 33 Stableford points

Professionals
Fred Wanzala 9 under par 207
Top 7 in professional category
Fred Wanzala  70 | 72 | 65  *207
Phillip Kasozi  78 | 71 | 74  *223
V.Byamukama 72 | 75 | 77 *224
Happy Robert 76 | 72 | 77 * 225
A.Ainamani     76 | 76 | 74 * 226
Silver Opio     77 | 75 | 77 * 229
Onito Opio     81 | 73 | 75 * 229

Palm Valley | LOUIS JADWONG | Becca Mwanja carded 41 points and Fred Wanzala played mesmerizing golf as they retained their Pepsi Independence Golf Open titles on Tuesday.

Mwanja topped the men's category in the main event at the Palm Valley 9-hole Golf and Country Club, with Martha Babirye's 33 points outstanding in the women's contest. It is Babirye's first win at the annual Independence Open played at the course in Akright Kakungulu estate.

Wanzala secured the top prize in the professional golfers sh30million category, beating his nearest challenger by an astonishing 16 strokes over 54 holes. He ended the day with a 9-under par score.

The Serena Pro hit an astonishing 65 (7-under par) in the final 18 holes to destroy the field. "This time I didn't take chances. Since last week at the Johnnie Walker Open a 4 stroke lead going into the final day wasn't enough to secure victory for me, I said this time it will be at least 7 strokes going into the final 18 holes," said Wanzala, about his winning margin.

All winners of various categories, from top Kiconco, Mwanja, Wanzala, Magala

The winners received a variety of prizes at a colourful ceremony attended by former ministers Jim Muhwezi, John Nassasira and current Minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs John Byabagambi, officials from tournament sponsors, including Maggie Kigozi of Crown Beverages.

Crown Beverages Board Chairman Amos Nzeyi said the over 200 golfers who competed was testimony to the growing popularity of the Independence Day Open, that they are sponsoring for a 9th straight year.

Crown Beverages are the main sponsors, supported by ICEA, Stanbic Bank, Sheraton Hotel and Mukwano Industries. The partners put up a total sh100m to organise this year's edition, the pro and amateur main event.

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Main Prizes

Overall winners
Men
Becca Mwanja  41 points  *Countback
Women
Martha Babirye 33 points

Group B (Ladies)
Winner: Annet Kiconco (22points)
1st runners up: Grace Kabonero (21 points) *Countback
2nd runners up: Wendy  Angudeyo (21 points)

Group A (Ladies)
Winner: Eva Magala (28 points)
1st Runners up: Peace Kabaweska (26 points)
2nd Runners up: Irene Nakalembe (25 points)

Men (Group A):
Winner: Collins Adijra (41 Points)
1st Runners up: Michael Tumusiime (40 Points)
2nd Runner up: Bashir Baguma (38 points)

Men (Group B)
Winner: Mark Lutwama (35 Points)
1st Runners up: Michael Monnie (31 points) *Countback
2nd Runners up: Dr Peter Apell (31 points)

Men (Group C)
Winner: General Gier (38 Stable ford points)
1st Runners up: Dickson (31 Stable ford points)
2nd Runners up: Eddy Chou (31 Stable ford points)

Longest Drive
Men: Michael Tumusiime
Women:Irene Nakalembe

Nearest to the pin

Men: Fred Kimbugwe

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Past winners 

2017: Becca Mwanja (Men), Gloria Mbaguta (Ladies) & Fred Wanzala (Pros)
2016: Wu Wei Ling (Men), Eva Magala (Ladies) & Dennis Anguyo (Pros)
2015: Enock Nuwagaba (Men) & Evelyn Asiimwe (Ladies)
2014: Davis Kashaka (Men), Flavia Namakula (Ladies) & Vincent Byamukama (Pros)
2013: Don Gorman (Men), Angel Eaton (Ladies) & Silver Opio (Pros)
2012: Charles Dickens Langoya (Men), Getrude Acato (Ladies) & Deo Akope (Pros)

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Last week's results at the Sh25million Lake Victoria 
Serena Johnnie Walker Golf ⛳️ Open 2018
▶️ Leader-board top 4- Professional category 
Kasozi    75 | 77 | 70 *222 
Wanzala  72 | 76 | 77 *225 
Mutawe  75 | 77 | 73  *225
J.Seale   75| 81 | 71 *227

Kasozi (left) is congratulated by Wanzala after the final hole last week.
Roles changed at the Pepsi Open