The 19th edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open has officially teed off today at the picturesque Par-71 Entebbe Club, along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Over 100 professional golfers from across Africa and beyond are competing for a share of the UGX 150 million prize fund.
Golfers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Nicaragua have all gathered for what promises to be a thrilling four days of top-tier golf.
Defending champion Dismas Ndiza of Kenya will begin his title defense in a highly-anticipated group with Uganda Professional Golf Association president Deo Akope and Emmanuel Opio Onito, the son of the legendary Ugandan amateur golfer, Sadi Onito.
Grace Ocici, Emmanuel’s brother, is also competing and will start his round with amateur Ibrahim Ssemakula and Zimbabwe’s Clive Muchenje.
Among the other prominent Ugandan golfers in action is Ronald Rugumayo, who will be seeking to continue his fine form as he tees off with Entebbe’s own Vincent Byamukama and Kenya’s Samuel N. Chege.
US-based Ugandan Willy Deus Kitata is also competing, beginning his round alongside Zimbabwe’s Morton Kombai and Kenya’s Dennis Saikwa.
Notably, this year’s open includes three female professionals, with Ugandan Evah Magala making her debut in the main event.
Magala, paired with Kenya’s Jacob Okello and amateur Joseph Cwinya-ai, will be hoping to make a strong impression.
Meanwhile, Irene Nakalembe, another standout Ugandan golfer, tees off alongside Kenya’s Erick Ooko and Mike Kisia.
National team head coach Flavia Namakula is also set to showcase her skills in a trio with Kenya’s John Limb and Abraham Ainamani.
The tournament follows yesterday’s Absa-sponsored Pro-Am event, where Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera excelled with a remarkable 6-under 65, leading the professionals.
Nsanzuwera, along with four other top professionals, has earned full sponsorship from Absa Bank for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open Pro-Am.
