Round one of the 2026 Johnnie Walker Professionals’ Golf Open was completed on Wednesday, 2nd September at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club course in the heart of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo bossed the 116-field, shooting 3-under-69 during a competitive round that had professionals from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.
Rugumayo carded 6 birdies, 9 pars and 3 bogeys under sunny weather conditions to take a one-stroke lead over Cameroon’s Fon Pristhy, Ezekiel Afisco (Ghana) and another Ugandan, Tadeo Rodell Gaita, who are all tied at 2-under-70.
“It was a good round, and I’m happy for the opening round,” Rugumayo said to the media after holing out with a bogey on the par-4 Hole 18, where he dropped a shot.
Rugumayo, just like Davis Kato (Uganda Professional Golfers Association president) recorded the most birdies on the day (6) out of the 259 birdies from the 115 players on the course during day one of the professionals.
Nine pros played 1-under-71, and they include Deo Akope, Samuel Kato, Gabrile Chibale, Hussein Bagalana, Nuru Mollel, Willy Deus Kitata, Phillip Kasozi, Davis Kato and Cameroonian Vincent Torgah.
Eight players returned an even score (72). These are Sunday Olapade, Dennis Anguyo, Paul Chidale, John Kagiri, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Dismas Indiza, Celestine Nsanzuwera and Samuel Njoroge.
Lady pros in the mix
Five lady professional players took part during round one. Evah Magala (78), Flavia Namakula (78), Irene Nakalembe (80), Angel Eaton (82) and Nigerian Cynthia Maurice (84) all competed.
Round one produced 16 eye catching eagle scores. Rwandese professional Aloys Nsabimana did not complete the opening round, pulling out after 11 holes of action.
Thursday, 3rd September 2026 is a moving day as the championship clocks day two to make it 36 holes of action.
After round two the successful players who will make the cut-line will progress to the final two rounds.
The official prize giving ceremony is on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Round 2 Draw
