Tanzanian golfer Neema Olomi holds the early advantage at the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open after carding a round of 73 to finish at +2 on day one in Lugazi.
Olomi, the 2018 champion, produced the most consistent round of the field at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club to open a four-stroke lead over Uganda’s Martha Babirye, who sits second on +6 after a 77. Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama follows in third place at +7, one shot behind Babirye.
Winnie Musuya and Ashley Awuor are tied for fourth at +9, while Lillian Koowe closed on +11. Defending champion Iddy Madina endured a difficult start, carding 84 to finish at +13, level with Julia Joan Nampewo in seventh. Meron Kyomugisha, Frista Birabwa, and Bridget Dasima are grouped at +14.
The opening day leaderboard positions Olomi as the player to beat, but Babirye’s form on the Lugazi course—where she recently won the Pearl of Africa Series—keeps Uganda firmly in contention heading into day two.
Peace Kabasweka, the 2023 Ladies Open winner, is again absent from the tournament.
Play continues Friday with the second round of the three-day competition.