Seven former winners are back in the field as the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open teed off on Wednesday at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
The four-round tournament brings together a strong continental field, all chasing a share of the Shs 650 million sponsorship package on offer. The finale is set for Saturday, September 5, 2026.
When you have a field that includes Jastas Madoya (Kenya), Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe), Dismas Ndiza (Kenya), Dayne Moore (Zambia), last year's winner Celestine Nsanzuwera (Rwanda), and Deo Akope, the last Ugandan to lift the trophy back in 2014, plus Vincent Byamukama (2013), course records could well fall.
Uganda's premier golf star Ronald Rugumayo leads the home defence. He raced to five-under 32 after the first nine holes of round one, a flying start that had the home faithful buzzing.
The professional division opens under the shadow of a dominant Zambian showcase in the amateur ranks. Dominic Musonda won the amateur crown at nine-under-par 279, with compatriot Gilbert Chalwe four shots back at 282. Both turn pro this week.
Five female professionals are also competing inside the main field. Judith Komugisha, Angel Eaton (Tanzania), Evah Magala, Irene Nakalembe, Flavia Namakula and Nigeria's Cynthia Maurice add a fresh dimension to the event.
Organisers have fused the tournament with the "Afro Exchange" lifestyle concept, turning the club into a hub for music, fashion and cuisine.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Rugumayo can finally break Uganda's long drought. Deo Akope was the last home winner in 2014.
Roll of honour
- 2006 – Deo Akope (Uganda)
- 2007 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2008 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2009 – Richard Ainley (Kenya)
- 2010 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2011 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2012 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2013 – Vincent Byamukama (Uganda)
- 2014 – Deo Akope (Uganda)
- 2015 – Madalisto Muthiya (Zambia)
- 2016 – Joshua Seale (South Africa)
- 2017 – Stephen Ferriera (Portugal)
- 2018 – Dismas Indiza (Kenya)
- 2019 – Madalisto Muthiya (Zambia)
- 2020 – Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe)
- 2021 – Jastas Madoya (Kenya)
- 2022 – Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe)
- 2023 – Dismas Ndiza (Kenya)
- 2025 – Celestine Nsanzuwera (Rwanda)
Source: The Independent Uganda
