The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship resumes Thursday with the Ladies Open at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
The three-day event has drawn more than 100 players from across the region, making it one of the biggest gatherings of women’s golf on the local calendar.
Defending champion Iddy Madina of Tanzania arrives as the player to beat. She comes into the tournament on the back of a dominant run, winning the Uganda Golf Club Ladies Open earlier this month, retaining her Zambia Ladies Open crown in June, and adding the Ghana Ladies Open title in July.
Madina will be joined by her compatriots Neema Olomi, the 2018 winner, and Hawa Wanyeche, both regular challengers on the leaderboard.
Uganda’s hopes will largely rest on Martha Babirye, who finished third at the UGC Ladies Open and recently won the Pearl of Africa Series on the same Lugazi course. She will be aiming to leverage that home advantage against Madina. Other Ugandan names to watch include Judith Komugisha and Gloria Mbaguta.
Former champion Peace Kabasweka, winner in 2023, will not be involved. Now based in the United States, she recently featured at the Ladies National Golf Association Amateur Championship in Washington State.
The Ladies Open is the second leg of this year’s championship after last week’s Seniors Tournament. Organizers say the event is critical in promoting women’s golf across the region.
“Each lady golfer brings new energy and a different spirit to the Open, helping break barriers and inspiring others,” said Christine Kyokunda, Johnnie Walker Brand Manager.
The Uganda Open is backed by sponsors including Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.
