For Dominic Musoke, one life lesson he learned growing up has always stood out: “Never underestimate small, humble beginnings, because they can grow into the greatest success stories.” That message came alive last Saturday when he emerged champion of the 2025 Equity NARO Golf Open at the Marylouise Simkins Memorial Golf Club in Namulonge.
Playing under intense pressure, Musoke carded an impressive 2-under 208 to clinch the title. Across the three rounds, he registered 14 birdies, six bogeys, and two double bogeys, beating in-form golfer Joseph Chinyaai by five strokes. He opened with a 2-under 68, followed by back-to-back level-par 70s to seal his second Equity NARO Open title, his first having come in 2023.
A shy but visibly excited Musoke reflected on his journey, saying:
“I started here as a caddie, and I’ve progressed slowly but steadily. Now here I am, a champion among some of the country’s most remarkable golfers.”
The 29-year-old added that playing on his home turf contributed to his victory.
“Knowing the course well worked in my favor, but discipline and consistency have been key,” he said.
That discipline, he revealed, involved a daily five-kilometer run and hitting 300 balls every day for the past three months.
Tournament favorite Chinyaai, who has had a remarkable 2025 season, winning the Kakira Golf Open, Kinyara Golf Open, President’s Cup, and Uganda Open Amateurs, settled for second place.
Namulonge’s Charles Jjunju finished third, followed by Juma Abiti in fourth. Defending champion Abdullah Kakooza came fifth, 13 strokes behind Musoke with a score of 22-over.
In the ladies’ category, Meron Kyomugisha continued her winning momentum after the Kinyara Golf Open, securing the women’s title with a score of 221. She beat Joyce Kisembo (238) by 17 strokes. Resty Nalutaaya placed third with 241, while Peace Kabasweka followed with 242.
As a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event, players’ international rankings will be updated accordingly.
The tournament also witnessed a rare moment of brilliance as Silver Opio scored a hole-in-one.
This year’s edition was held under the theme “Swinging to 17 Years of Equity Bank’s Growth,” marking the bank’s 17th anniversary in the Ugandan market.
Speaking at the awards dinner, Equity Bank Managing Director, Mr. Gift Shoko, said:
“Seventeen years ago, Equity Bank entered the Ugandan market with a bold mission—to offer financial services that socially and economically empower Ugandans. We believed then, as we do now, that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Today’s event is a testament to that commitment.”
Shoko pledged continued support to the Marylouise Simkins Memorial Golf Club and revealed that the current 9-hole, par-70 course will be upgraded to 18 holes next year.
With his latest triumph, Musoke now sets his sights on his next big challenge—the 2026 Uganda Golf Open.
