Dunia Caps Strong Uganda Open Campaign With Top-11 Finish
KAMPALA, Friday
Tanzania’s sole representative at the 2026 Uganda Open Championship, Isiaka Dunia, capped a strong and consistent campaign with a joint-11th finish after four rounds of stroke-play competition in Uganda.
Dunia, who represents TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, finished on a total of nine-over par, posting a final-round 73 to share 11th place with Uganda’s Abdul Kakeeto.
Reflecting on his performance, Dunia told Royal Golf that hard work and regular practice have been central to his progress.
“Have nothing more to say except that it’s all about hard work and a lot of practice. Everything becomes easier, and you gain confidence in everything you do.”
He acknowledged the high level of competition but said competing against strong players continues to build his experience and confidence.
“The competition is really tough, but going out there like this gives me more experience.”
Dunia added that repeatedly facing difficult challenges has helped him overcome fear and become more comfortable competing at a higher level.
“When I face challenges like these, I keep getting used to them. Now, thank God, I’m used to it and I’m no longer afraid. It’s all about hard work and continuing to practice.”
His consistency was one of the highlights of the tournament. Dunia opened with a 75, improved to 74 in the second round, carded another 75 in the third round and finished with a 73 in the final round.
After the opening round, Dunia identified the greens as the main area he needed to master.
“It is very good competition but the only challenge I have is mastering greens.”
His four-round performance represents a significant improvement from last year’s Uganda Open, where he finished 17th.
The Tanzanian competed against a strong international field of more than 116 elite amateur golfers from Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Eswatini, Namibia, Tanzania and the United States.
At the top of the final leaderboard, Zambia’s Dominic Musonda claimed the championship with a nine-under-par total, finishing three strokes ahead of compatriot Gilbert Chalwe on six-under.
Uganda’s Joseph Cwinyaai was third on two-over.
Dunia’s joint-11th finish places him among the leading performers in a competitive international field and underlines his continued progress on the regional amateur golf circuit.
The 2026 Uganda Amateur Open was played from August 25 to 28 over 72 holes of stroke play.
https://www.golfthru18.com/leaderboard/uganda-open-golf-championship-2026