Samia Salutes Wanyeche’s Historic Uganda Open Win
By Staff Writer
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Tanzania’s golf heroin Hawa Wanyeche after her historic victory at the Uganda Ladies Golf Open in Kampala, describing the achievement as a source of great pride for the nation.
Wanyeche, who represents Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, claimed the 54-hole championship held from August 13–15 at Uganda Golf Club.
In a message posted on social media, President Samia praised Wanyeche for her outstanding performance and highlighted the significance of her international success.
“I congratulate Hawa (Wanyeche), a player from the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, for winning the Uganda Ladies Open,” President Samia said.
“Her victory is a great source of pride for our nation and demonstrates the ability of our players to perform well in international competitions,” she added.
President Samia also said the government would continue strengthening and developing sport in Tanzania by creating better conditions for athletes and supporting their participation and success in international competitions.
The tournament attracted golfers from Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania, alongside players from host nation Uganda.
Wanyeche secured her maiden Uganda Ladies Golf Open title after opening the championship with back-to-back rounds of 77. She closed with a two-over-par 74 to finish on 12-over-par and take the title.
The victory marks Wanyeche’s second consecutive women’s golf title, following her success at the inaugural Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) President’s Cup at TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam in July.
The Uganda Open was only Wanyeche’s second competitive tournament of the year, making her composed performance over the three rounds particularly impressive.
After the remarkable achievement Wanyeche said: "I sincerely thank God for enabling us to win this trophy. This victory belongs to Tanzania, and this trophy belongs to all of us. Let us celebrate it together.”
She also extended special appreciation to her family and the entire team that stood together in Uganda.
Wanyeche did not forget the supporters who followed the team’s progress online and continued to pray for them throughout the competition.
“To everyone who followed us online and kept us in your prayers, I thank you all so much,” she added.
Fellow Tanzanian Neema Olomi also made a strong start, carding a three-over-par 75 in the opening round to take sole possession of the lead.
Olomi established a two-shot advantage over the chasing pack but was unable to maintain her momentum. She carded an 81 in the second round and 79 in the final round to finish fourth on 19-over-par.
Olomi entered the championship with confidence after finishing runner-up at the 2025 Uganda Open, where she narrowly lost to Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama in a dramatic playoff at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Vicky Elias finished seventh on 28-over-par, while TLGU Vice-President Ayne Magombe placed 12th on 32-over-par. Former TLGU honorary secretary Yasmin Chali finished 43rd.
TLGU President Timea Chogo also congratulated the winners and all Tanzanian players for their strong performances and for raising the country’s flag high in Uganda.
The annual tournament once again carried World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, adding further significance to Wanyeche’s landmark victory.