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Johnnie Walker Uganda Open returns with world class golf, and Afro Exchange Experience

Johnnie Walker Uganda Open returns with world class golf, and Afro Exchange Experience

The Uganda Golf Union, in partnership with Johnnie Walker Uganda, has officially launched the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, setting the stage for a month of world-class competitio...

The Uganda Golf Union, in partnership with Johnnie Walker Uganda, has officially launched the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, setting the stage for a month of world-class competition and elevated experiences that extend beyond the fairways into culture, fashion, music and contemporary lifestyle. The tournament was launched with a putting challenge on the 18th hole, where partners took to the green to test their putting skills, with successful putts setting the tone for the championship ahead. The championship, which has received a Shs 650m sponsorship and execution package from Johnnie Walker, will take place from August 13th to September 5th, 2026, at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala. The tournament will tee off with the Johnnie Walker Ladies Open, that will run from this Thursday- August 13th–15th, and will feature a special Johnnie Walker She Walks Experience to celebrate the women in golf. The platform aims to inspire, empower, and spotlight female talent within the sport. The Ladies Open is recognised as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event and will attract leading female golfers from across the region and the continent. he championship will continue with the Seniors Open from August 21st – 22nd, followed by the Amateur Open- from August 25th–28th, before culminating into the highly anticipated Professionals Open, that will run from September 2nd–5th, bringing together top professional golfers from Uganda, East Africa and beyond, to compete for the coveted 2026 championship title. Speaking at the launch, Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager, said that while competition remains at the heart of the championship, Johnnie Walker will add a new dimension to the off-course programme- through its Afro Exchange Experience, that will be centred around the 19th hole experiences. She noted that the platform will create spaces where golf intersects with Africa’s contemporary expressions of music, fashion and art. “Johnnie Walker has always been about progress, ambition and celebrating those who continue to move themselves and their communities forward. The Uganda Open is a powerful expression of that spirit. It brings together talent, ambition and connection through a sport that continues to grow across the continent. Through our partnership, we are looking to elevate the experience around the tournament, creating moments that extend beyond the course and bring golf into conversation with the culture, creativity and contemporary lifestyle of Africa,” she said. The concept reflects Johnnie Walker’s belief that modern luxury is defined not only by the occasions we celebrate, but also by the experiences we share and the connections we create. Through Afro Exchange, the brand will bring together different creative worlds around the Uganda Open, offering a fresh perspective on the tournament beyond the course. The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open also continues to play an important role in the growth of golf in Uganda and the wider region, bringing together professionals, amateurs, seniors, women and emerging talent while providing opportunities to compete, develop and build connections across the region. To complement Johnnie Walker’s presence at the tournament, Uganda Breweries Limited will also have its premium beer portfolio, including White Cap, Tusker Malt, Tusker Lite, among others, as part of the championship experience. Speaking at the launch, Edward Kimathi, Commercial Director at Uganda Breweries Limited, said the company’s continued investment in the Uganda Open reflects its commitment to partnerships that create meaningful experiences while contributing to the growth of sport and the wider community. “At Uganda Breweries, we believe the strongest partnerships are those that create value beyond the sponsorship itself. Our continued investment in the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is about supporting a platform that brings together talent, ambition and opportunity, while creating an experience that Ugandans and visitors can connect with. Through the Shs 650 million sponsorship and execution package, we are proud to support both the championship and the experiences around it, as we continue to invest in platforms that showcase Ugandan excellence and bring people together,” Kimathi said. Uganda Golf Union (UGU) President- Jackson Were, highlighted the significance of the Uganda Open in the development of the sport and Uganda’s growing reputation as a golfing destination. “The Uganda Open continues to hold an important place in the history and development of golf in Uganda and the region. It provides an important platform for golfers at different stages of their careers to compete, connect and grow. We are proud to welcome players from across East Africa and the continent and look forward to another successful championship that will showcase the quality of golf Uganda has to offer.” The 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Tournament Director (TD), also the UGU Vice President – Paul Charles Rukundo, stated that they expect full courses on each outing. “Registration is already open via https://registration.golf-uganda.com/ and we have already received entries from golfers from different countries. This year, we are also looking at the tournament as an opportunity to show what is possible when strong competition is matched by a strong experience. We want players and spectators to leave with a greater appreciation of the tournament, the sport and the standard of golf that Uganda can deliver,” Rukundo said. Absa Bank, sponsors of the Pro-Am event, held on the eve of the professionals event, are also back as part of the 2026 sponsors. Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank, said that they will continue the tradition of taking winners- both Pros and amateurs, of the Pro-Am event for the Magical Open in Nairobi. “Through the Absa Pro-Am, amateur and professional golfers compete alongside each other, with a pathway to international exposure through the Magical Kenya Open on the DP World Tour. Over the past six years, more than 60 Ugandan golfers have benefited from this experience, gaining valuable exposure and insights that support their development. We are proud to continue investing in a platform that gives Ugandan golfers the opportunity to compete at a higher level.” As the countdown begins, golf enthusiasts, corporate partners and fans, are invited to experience a championship where tradition meets modern culture, where every swing represents ambition, every round creates connection, and every moment moves the game forward. This year’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open is supported by ABSA, MTN MOMO, Aquafina, Pepsi, Case Clinic, Medisell, Rose Foam, Pearl Marina, and NBS Sport. by Matooke Replic The tournament will bring together professional, amateur, senior and female golfers from Uganda, across East Africa, and the continent. The month-long championship will showcase some of the region’s finest golfing talent while celebrating the rich heritage, competitive spirit and continued growth of the sport.
How Watoto Golf tournernment is turning swings into hope

How Watoto Golf tournernment is turning swings into hope

Ronald Rugumayo maintained a slender 3-stroke lead going into tomorrow’s final round at the third edition of the Watoto Charity Golf Tournament at the Uganda Golf Club. Rugumayo, with scores of 66, 72...

Ronald Rugumayo maintained a slender 3-stroke lead going into tomorrow’s final round at the third edition of the Watoto Charity Golf Tournament at the Uganda Golf Club. Rugumayo, with scores of 66, 72, 69, 9 under par 207, bagged 11 birdies and 1 eagle over 54 holes. The South African-based professional is coming off a win in the UGC Ladies Open and is seeking back-to-back wins on the trot. “I just need to maintain my momentum going into tomorrow’s round; the course is playing well,” Rugumayo stated in an interview. Rodel Gaita, is 3 shots off the pace with a score of 6 under par 210, while Grace Kasango, is a shot off with 5 under par 211. Phillip Kasozi and Abraham Ainamani are fourth and fifth with 212 and 217 respectively. Meanwhile, Juma Abiti has today won the Elite Amateurs event after a sudden death play-off. The theme for this year’s edition is “Hope on the Green” and the Watoto Church is hoping to raise sh450 million to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers with business starter packs and other empowerment support. The 4-day tournament is supported by Fenon Events, EADB, BOU, Fairway Hotel, Onomo Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Imbogo Safari, Equity Bank, Handed Advocates, MTN Uganda, Endiro Coffee, Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank, NCBA Bank, M&K Advocates, Capital One Group, Eighth Wonder, KCB Bank, Opportunity Bank and Jubilee Insurance. Pastor Rwotlonyosaid Watoto Church is committed to caring for communities and believes that faith should be demonstrated through practical action. He explained that the golf tournament is one of the ways the church is bringing people together to support vulnerable mothers. “Golf can be played for a career, competition or simply camaraderie, but golf can also be turned around for a cause. That’s what Watoto Golf is about. We want to go for a cause beyond the green, which is really to bring hope to vulnerable mothers,” Pastor Rwotlonyosaid. For Watoto Church, supporting vulnerable mothers is not simply about giving them money. The organisation works with women over time, providing training, mentorship and business support to help them become more independent.
Watoto Golf Tournament Targets Shs450M to Empower 1,000 Vulnerable Mothers

Watoto Golf Tournament Targets Shs450M to Empower 1,000 Vulnerable Mothers

Watoto Church has launched the third edition of its annual golf tournament, with organisers targeting to raise Shs450 million to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers through business starter kits and live...

Watoto Church has launched the third edition of its annual golf tournament, with organisers targeting to raise Shs450 million to support 1,000 vulnerable mothers through business starter kits and livelihood programmes. The 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament, themed “Hope on the Green,” will take place from August 3 to 8 at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala, bringing together golfers, corporate teams, sponsors and partners to support women empowerment initiatives. The tournament will begin with the caddies’ competition on August 3, followed by the elite amateur tournament from August 5 to 7. Professional golfers will compete from August 5 to 8, with the main event scheduled for August 8. Pastor Edward Mwesigye, Pastoral Team Leader at Watoto Church, said the tournament is aimed at supporting vulnerable mothers to establish sustainable sources of income. “Through the third edition of the Hope on the Green Golf Tournament, we are inviting individuals, companies and friends of Watoto to join us in raising Shs450 million to empower 1,000 vulnerable mothers with business starter kits,” Mwesigye said. He said supporting mothers has a wider impact on families and communities. “When a mother is empowered, her family becomes stronger, her children have a better future, and the entire community benefits,” he added. The funds raised will support mothers under Watoto’s programmes with business start-up support and skills aimed at improving their livelihoods. Organisers said the tournament will feature professional golfers, elite amateurs and caddies, with a total prize structure of Shs34 million. The professional category will have a total kitty of Shs20 million, with Shs5 million allocated towards the Watoto cause and Shs15 million awarded as prize money. Elite amateurs will compete for a Shs10 million kitty, while caddies will compete for Shs2 million, with portions of each category supporting Watoto’s programmes. Championship trophies will be awarded to winners in the professional, elite amateur and caddies categories. Farayi Chitengwa, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Golf Club, said the partnership demonstrates the role of sport in supporting social causes. “Golf is more than just a sport; it is a platform that brings people together for a greater purpose. We are honoured to host the Hope on the Green Golf Tournament because it gives us an opportunity to support communities and uplift lives,” he said. CFAO Mobility Uganda, one of the tournament partners, said its participation reflects the company’s focus on supporting community initiatives. Isaac Tegule, Marketing Manager at CFAO Mobility Uganda, said the partnership is aimed at creating opportunities for vulnerable mothers. “At CFAO Mobility, we believe mobility is about more than moving people; it is about driving positive change. Every swing on the course helps create opportunities for vulnerable mothers to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Tegule said. He added that the company will offer two Suzuki vehicles as hole-in-one prizes during the tournament. Sandra Opio, Executive Director of Watoto Child Care Ministries, said the organisation’s neighbourhood programme has supported thousands of vulnerable mothers through skills training, business mentorship and livelihood support. “Since 2008, our Neighborhood Programme has equipped nearly 9,000 vulnerable mothers with practical skills, business training and mentorship to build sustainable livelihoods,” Opio said. She added that the programme has also supported children through education initiatives. One of the beneficiaries, Allen Kenjeru, said support from Watoto helped her rebuild her life after experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. “When I joined Watoto, I had lost hope. I had no home, no stable income, and I did not know how I would raise my children. Watoto welcomed me with love, gave me skills and helped me believe in myself again,” she said. Kenjeru said she now supports other women as a community worker under the Watoto Church Neighborhood Programme. Watoto Church said the 2026 tournament is part of its long-term goal of empowering vulnerable mothers and strengthening families through economic opportunities.
Kenya opens lead over Uganda on day one of 2026 Victoria Cup

Kenya opens lead over Uganda on day one of 2026 Victoria Cup

026 Victoria Cup: Day 1: Uganda 2-6 Kenya It is advantage Kenya after the opening day of the 2026 Victoria Cup at the lake-side Entebbe Club. Kenya established a 4-points lead after the first d...

026 Victoria Cup: Day 1: Uganda 2-6 Kenya It is advantage Kenya after the opening day of the 2026 Victoria Cup at the lake-side Entebbe Club. Kenya established a 4-points lead after the first day of action whose tee-off was delayed by the early morning rains in Entebbe Municipality and the surrounding areas. Kenya won five games and recorded two draws during Thursday’s action that had foursomes in the morning as well as the four ball better ball in the afternoon. Captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji won 2 UP over Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo. It was a similar victory for John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien over Andrew Ssekibejja and Godfrey Kambale. Daniel Kiragu and Krisch Shah won over Godfrey Kambale and Joseph Kasozi 5&3 during the afternoon, Lejirma and Mwathi Gicheru toppled Thembo and Amon Bwambale 3&2 and Tsevi Soni with Junaid Manji defeated Uganda’s captain John Musiimenta and Abdul Kakeeto 3&2. Uganda recorded a single win with Reagan Akena and Peter Mayende’s impressive 4&3 victory over Daniel Kiragu and Isaac Makokha. The two stalemates were recorded in the foursomes; Abdallah Kakooza with Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni as well as another in the four ball better ball when Akena and Ssekibejja held Elvis Muigua and Kevin Anyien. It is a moving day on Friday, 6th March 2026 with the foursomes’ action in the morning before the afternoon session for the four ball better ball. “We anticipate to play catch up. It was a bad start that we need to improve upon” Uganda’s captain John Musiimenta remarked. The tournament will climax on Saturday, 7th March 2026 with the singles’ action. From: DAVID ISABIRYE david@kawowo.com David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports
Jackson Were Re-elected as Uganda Golf Union President

Jackson Were Re-elected as Uganda Golf Union President

Last Week Incumbent Jackson Were will serve a final term in office after the Uganda Golf Union members voted him. Were was standing against two Uganda Golf Union executive committee members, vice pre...

Last Week Incumbent Jackson Were will serve a final term in office after the Uganda Golf Union members voted him. Were was standing against two Uganda Golf Union executive committee members, vice president Anthony Agaba and committee member Joseph Okudi. The well-attended Elective AGM took place at Entebbe Sports Club. Were polled 16 votes, which were five better than Okudi. Agaba meanwhile got a miserly two votes. Shortly after victory, Were expressed delight in being entrusted with another mandate to run UGU. He was also happy that the electioneering was over. “The process of elections will always produce a winner and a loser, but for the sake of the game, it is imperative that we work together,” Were noted. “We shall work with every one willing to transform the game.” Were, a former captain of Mbarara Golf Club, previously served as Vice president during the time of Moses Matsiko. He replaced him as Uganda Golf Union President in January 2024. He is credited for having given full endorsement towards the selection of some junior golfers who went on to claim the Victoria Cup for Uganda at Kipipiri Golf resort against all odds. His team has also used the resource envelope available prudently, especially for some of the clubs upcountry. Other new Exco members are Paul Charles Rukundo, the interim Board Chairman of UGC who previously served as captain. Rukundo, Adoch Luwum and NJ Paul, the Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club captain, were voted in to replace Agaba, Samson Agamile and Okudi at a somewhat feisty meeting. The UGU Trustees are Deputy Speaker of parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Amos Nzeyi and Africa Golf Confederation boss Johnson Omollo. The opening task for the new leadership team will be the Victoria Cup which tees off on Thursday at the par-71 course. Kenya’s team, hungry to reclaim bragging rights, will be led by John Lejirma. New UGU Leadership Team 2026-2028 President – Jackson Were Vice President – Paul Charles Rukundo Hon. Secretary – Adoch Luwum Treasurer – Anette Kiconco Committee Member 1 – Paul Habyarimana Committee Member 2 – NJ Paul
Rains delay tee-off on opening day of 2026 Victoria Cup in Entebbe

Rains delay tee-off on opening day of 2026 Victoria Cup in Entebbe

The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases reg...

The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride. Uganda is the defending champion. Event: 2026 Victoria Cup Dates: 5th to 7th March Venue: Entebbe Club, Uganda Heavy rains in Entebbe Municipality and the surrounding areas have delayed the official tee-off for the 2026 Victoria Cup between Uganda (hosts) and Kenya at the lake-side 1901 founded par-71 Entebbe golf course. As early as 6 AM, the rains started to fall and had not stopped by the anticipated 8 AM tee-off time for game one. Nonetheless, the players of the two countries had already left the team base at MIST Hotel in Kitinda, a stone throw away from Entebbe club. Organizers of the tournament confirmed the tee-off times would be extended until the weather clears. The opening day has the foursomes action with game one having Uganda’s duo of Joseph Kasozi and Elton Thembo against Kenya’s captain Elvis Muigua and Junaid Manji. Former Uganda Open amateur champion Andrew Ssekibejja (2022) alongside with Godfrey Kambale faces 2020 Uganda Amateur Open captain John Lejirma and Kevin Anyien in game two. Game three drives off with Joseph Reagan Akena (2024 Uganda Amateur Open champion) and Peter Mayende against Daniel Kiragu and the impressive deaf golfer Isaac Makokha. Game four is between Abdallah Kakooza and Amon Bwambale against Yuvraj Rajput and Tsevi Soni. The official flag-raising ceremony was conducted at Entebbe club on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, witnessed by the Uganda’s State Minister of Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang as chief guest. Uganda Golf Union president Dr. Jackson Were, his Kenyan counterpart Chris Kinuthia and the Kenya High Commission commercial attache Doris Komen also graced the flag raising ceremony. Other members of the Uganda Golf Union executive Paul Charles Rukundo, Paul NJ and others were present. The Victoria Cup is one of East Africa’s premier amateur match play events, bringing together Kenya’s leading amateurs and their Ugandan counterparts in a highly competitive contest that showcases regional excellence and national pride. This year round, the Uganda Golf Union is hosting the tournament with support from several partners including MTN MoMo Uganda, Prudential Uganda, Crown Beverages Limited — makers of Aquafina — the National Council of Sports, and The R&A, the world governing body for golf. 2016 – Kenya 2017 – Kenya 2018 – Kenya 2019 – Uganda 2020 – 2021 – Not held (COVID-19 pandemic) 2022 – Kenya 2023 – Not held (technicalities) 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retained the trophy) 2025 – Uganda Team Uganda: Peter Mayende (17 years) Joseph Reagan Akena (20 years) John Musiimenta (21 years) Elton Thembo (23 years) Godfrey Kambale (23 years) Abdul Kakeeto (24 years) Amon Bwambale (22 years) Abdallah Kakooza (28 years) Andrew Ssekibejja (31 years) Joseph Kasozi (34 years) Officials: Head coach: Lt. Flavia Namakula Team manager: Paul Habyarimana Team Kenya: John Lejirma Elvis Muigua (Captain) Isaac Makokha Daniel Kiragu Ebill Omollo Junaid Manji Tsevi Soni Yuvraj Rajput Mwathi Gicheru Kevin Anyien Team Officials: Head coach: Ali Khimji Team Manager: Brian Akun Head of Delegation: Chris Kinuthia
Uganda confident they can pull off a third Victoria Golf Cup victory

Uganda confident they can pull off a third Victoria Golf Cup victory

VICTORIA CUP WINNERS 🟢 2016 – Kenya 🟢 2017 – Kenya 🟢 2018 – Kenya 🟢 2019 – Uganda 🟢 2020-2021 – Not held due to COVID-19 🟢 2022 – Kenya 🟢 2023 – Not held due to technicalities 🟢 2024 –...

VICTORIA CUP WINNERS 🟢 2016 – Kenya 🟢 2017 – Kenya 🟢 2018 – Kenya 🟢 2019 – Uganda 🟢 2020-2021 – Not held due to COVID-19 🟢 2022 – Kenya 🟢 2023 – Not held due to technicalities 🟢 2024 – Stalemate (Kenya retains title) 🟢 2025 – Uganda 🟢 2026 – …. Coach Lt Flavia Namakula is confident Uganda will retain the Victoria Cup on home soil in Entebbe this week, indicating that they will again focus on getting their pairings and partnerships right on the opening day. “Getting the pairings right in the opening two days was the trick to our victory last year. We will focus on having a flying start,” Namakula said, after reassuring the press her team is ready, at a briefing at the National Council of Sports Headquarters at Lugogo on Monday morning. The team will miss the magic of last year’s captain Joseph Cwinya-ai but they sounded reassured because they have the bulk of the team that won last year, including youngsters Joseph Reagan Akena, Peter Mayende and John Musiimenta. Musiimenta has even been handed the captaincy. National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel flagged off Uganda’s team and challenged the Uganda Golf Union to spread the game and competitions across the country. He said the government is deliberating building multi-purpose venues and stadiums across the country and will support golfers’ plans to spread facilities across the country. Uganda Golf Union president Dr Jackson Were said other than focusing on grooming youth, more competitions will be spread across the country, citing last year’s Uganda Open that was played in Lugazi. Named after Lake Victoria, the vast freshwater expanse that unites Kenya and Uganda, the Victoria Cup is more than a golf tournament—it’s a celebration of regional pride and sporting heritage. The Victoria Cup tournament represents more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the shared golfing culture between the two nations. Over the years, it has not only enhanced the sport’s profile but also helped nurture and develop talent in the region.
Kenya’s Nyanchama wins MTN Ebb Ladies Open

Kenya’s Nyanchama wins MTN Ebb Ladies Open

Entebbe, Uganda | PHILLIP CORRY | Mercy Nyanchama claimed the MTN Entebbe Ladies Open at Entebbe Club on Saturday evening, dedicating her win to her mother, who passed on just before the Kenyan ace te...

Entebbe, Uganda | PHILLIP CORRY | Mercy Nyanchama claimed the MTN Entebbe Ladies Open at Entebbe Club on Saturday evening, dedicating her win to her mother, who passed on just before the Kenyan ace teed off for the tournament. The Njoro Golf Club member and reigning Uganda Ladies Open champion finished well ahead of everyone with a score of 220 gross (7 over par) in the 54-hole event. ” I would like to dedicate this win to my late mother, who passed prior to me teeing off on Day 1,” Nyanchama said at the prize giving ceremony. “I would like to thank the sponsors MTN plus all the lady golfers who took part in this tournament and thanks for the challenge over the 3 days of action.” The tournament’s 2018 winner, Neema Olomi from Tanzania, finished runner-up on countback, five strokes off the pace, with a score of 12 over par, 225, while 2025 winner Peace Kabasweka settled for third and was the best Ugandan finisher. Judith Komugisha and Martha Babirye completed the top five with 235 and 237 gross, respectively. A total of 64 lady golfers took part in both the gross and bronze categories. This tournament is a World Amateur Ranking tournament and attracted lady golfers from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The tournament was sponsored by MTN Uganda and was organised by the lady captain of East Africa’s oldest golf facility and sanctioned by the Uganda Ladies’ Golf Union.
Entebbe Ladies Open: Nyachama opens two-stroke lead as Neema crawls into contention

Entebbe Ladies Open: Nyachama opens two-stroke lead as Neema crawls into contention

Mercy Nyachama’s first-ever Entebbe Ladies Golf Open title could be on the horizon. Nyachama opened a two-stroke lead over defending champion Peace Kabasweka and Neema Olomi heading into the final...

Mercy Nyachama’s first-ever Entebbe Ladies Golf Open title could be on the horizon. Nyachama opened a two-stroke lead over defending champion Peace Kabasweka and Neema Olomi heading into the final 18 holes of the three-day championship. The Kenyan returned a 3-over-74 in the second round played on Friday, a shot better than her opening round, for a gross total of 149. Nyachama’s scorecard read two birdies, eleven pars and six bogeys. “I told myself I need to focus more than I did yesterday. I didn’t feel any pressure, I was just playing my game,” Nyachama said. Kabasweka, who was the joint leader after the opening round, fell behind by two shots. Thedefending champions faced early struggles, bogeying the opening two holes before playing even on the next four but she would register two more bogeys before completing the backnine. Tanzanian Neema Olomi quietly climbed up into contention with a 4-over-75 on Round Two to tie for second on the leaderboard with a gross total of 151. Meanwhile, Martha Babirye faded following a poor round on which she struggled with putting, especially on the back nine, where she played a double bogey on hole 11 and also bogeyed the final four holes enroute to an 8-over-79 to fall 6 shots behind the leader.
MTN Uganda Backs 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open in Boost for Women’s Golf

MTN Uganda Backs 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open in Boost for Women’s Golf

MTN Uganda has officially announced its sponsorship of the 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open, reinforcing its commitment to the growth of women’s golf and the advancement of sport as a platform for empowerment...

MTN Uganda has officially announced its sponsorship of the 2026 Entebbe Ladies Open, reinforcing its commitment to the growth of women’s golf and the advancement of sport as a platform for empowerment and economic inclusion. The announcement was made at the clubhouse of the historic Entebbe Club, which will host the tournament from February 26 to 28, 2026. The championship returns to the national calendar after not being staged in 2025, marking a significant revival for one of the region’s most prestigious women’s amateur golf events. Sanctioned by the Uganda Golf Union and recognized as a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, the Entebbe Ladies Open remains a premier fixture on East Africa’s amateur golf circuit. As the first Ladies Open of the 2026 season, it sets the competitive tone for the year while symbolically ushering in March, globally recognized as Women’s Month. This year’s tournament aligns with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and intentional investment in women as catalysts for broader social and economic progress. Organizers say the championship reflects the belief that when women are supported with visibility, resources, and opportunity, the entire sporting ecosystem benefits. The competition will be played on Entebbe Club’s scenic yet technically demanding 18-hole course. The main Ladies event will run from February 26 to 28. The Bronze category will compete from February 27 to 28, while the Subsidiary event—featuring men, seniors, and ladies—will take place on February 28. In a symbolic show of solidarity with the women’s championship, male participants in the subsidiary category will tee off from the ladies’ teeing boxes. Participation remains open to eligible golfers across all categories. Entry fees have been set at Shs150,000 for the Ladies Main Event, Shs100,000 for the Bronze Event, and Shs50,000 for the Subsidiary Event. Registration is being conducted through Entebbe Club in accordance with Uganda Golf Union regulations. Speaking at the launch, Justina Icabala, Enterprise Segment Manager at MTN Uganda and Team Lead of the MTN Ladies’ golfers, said the company views sport as a strategic pillar for national development. “MTN Uganda believes in the power of sport to transform lives, build networks, and create opportunity. Golf in particular provides a unique platform where business, mentorship, and personal growth intersect. Our continued support of the Entebbe Ladies Open reflects our confidence in the women shaping this sport and in the long-term value it creates for communities and for Uganda,” she said. This year’s edition will feature one of the strongest elite amateur fields in recent memory, supported by a Shs10 million elite reward package made possible through MTN Uganda’s sponsorship. The enhanced reward structure represents a progressive milestone for the amateur women’s game, where incentives of this scale have traditionally been associated with professional circuits. Organizers expect the package to raise competitive standards and inspire top-tier performance. Lady Captain of Entebbe Club, Maureen Okura, described the return of the Ladies Open as a defining moment for the club and its members. “The Entebbe Ladies Open is a significant milestone for Entebbe Club. Reviving this prestigious World Amateur Golf Ranking event reaffirms our position on the regional and global amateur golf stage. It enhances our international visibility and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the club,” she said. Among the notable players expected to compete are defending 2024 champion Kabasweka Peace from Toro Club, reigning Uganda Ladies Open 2025 champion Mercy Nyachama of Kenya, three-time Uganda Ladies Open champion Martha Babirye from Uganda Club, and 2018 Entebbe Ladies Open winner Neema Olomi of Tanzania. The field also features regional talents including Loveness Frank (Tanzania), Wendy Angudeyo (Uganda), Victoria Elias (Tanzania), Rukia Nalwoga (Uganda), and Stella Gama (Malawi). Entebbe Club professional Irene Nakalembe, who previously won the Entebbe Ladies title seven consecutive times, will compete in the subsidiary event in support of the championship. The revival of the Entebbe Ladies Open underscores Uganda’s growing stature within the regional golf community and signals renewed momentum for women’s competitive sport. With MTN Uganda’s backing, the 2026 edition is poised not only to deliver high-level competition but also to amplify the conversation around investment, inclusion, and the sustained advancement of women in golf across Uganda and the wider region.
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Today Gross 74
Overall Gross 39,333
Overall Total 146,297