From the moment Dayne Jr. Moore unleashed a dazzling seven-under 64, on day one of the Proffesionals’ Open, it was clear he was the man to beat. Fast forward to Saturday, and the South Africa-based Zambian coolly carefully navigated the course to claim the 2024 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open title, securing a two-stroke win over Rwanda’s ever-impressive Celestin Nsanzuwera.
Moore’s dominant performance began early, but his only under-par round came on Thursday. For the next three days, he recorded two-over and one-over twice, but still clinched victory with three under par.
Nsanzuwera mounted a fierce final-day challenge with a scorching 68, only to lose momentum after a bogey on the par-5, hole 15, finishing one-under for the tournament.
Moore’s double-bogey on the 5th hole had many thinking he might lose his grip, but the Zambian bounced back with a birdie on the 6th hole, and played a steady, composed round thereafter.
Meanwhile, Kenyan veteran Dismas Indiza, 56 years young, rolled back the years with a brilliant 68 score to finish third. Indiza’s longevity and endurance on the course continues to be an inspiration, as he ended the tournament level par across four days.
As the sun set on Entebbe, the event wrapped up with a bang—cue the glamorous 19th hole prize-giving ceremony! Johnnie Walker made sure it was a night to remember, featuring a ‘masked glam’ theme, with guests dressed to impress in black with a splash of gold. The whisky flowed in style—whether neat, on the rocks, or mixed into elegant cocktails—and guests were treated to a lavish dinner.
Lillian Mbabazi and her band serenaded the golfers with hits, creating an electric atmosphere that kept the celebrations going late into the evening.
Speaking at the event, Andrew Kilonzo, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited, praised the enduring partnership with the Uganda Golf Union:
“Golf, like Johnnie Walker, is steeped in tradition, precision, and excellence. It’s a game that requires perseverance, focus, and a commitment to progress, values that resonate deeply with our brand. Just as golfers stride with purpose, Johnnie Walker embodies the spirit of walking with dedication toward success. That’s why our partnership with golf is such a natural fit.”
Kilonzo also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and partners who made the event a success:
“To the Uganda Golf Union and The Entebbe Club, thank you for once again partnering with us. Your collaboration has been key to the success of this tournament. A huge thank you as well to our partner sponsors for elevating not just this event but the entire golfing community.”
The sentiment was echoed by UBL Board Chairman-Jimmy Mugerwa, who raised a toast to the winner:
“As we celebrate the success of this year’s Uganda Open, it’s important to remember that no achievement is reached alone. Collaboration, both on and off the course, has made this event such a success. Let’s toast to this year’s champion and to the enduring spirit of golf. As we say at Johnnie Walker, Keep Walking – not just a slogan, but a mantra for life. Keep pushing forward, raising the bar, and striving for greatness.”
Philip Kasozi was the best-placed Ugandan, finishing three-over after rounds of 71, 73, 71, and 72. Close behind was Abraham Ainamani at five-over, while Ronald Rugumayo’s final round was one to forget as he stumbled to an 80, dropping him to 23rd.
With the 2024 edition now in the books, the baton was l passed on to Lugazi Hill Golf Club, who will host the highly anticipated 2025 Uganda Open. The 2024 edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open was proudly supported by Hisense, Case Medical Services, Pinnacle Security Limited, HH Solutions, Medisell, NBS Sport, NCS, Pepsi & Aquafina, and MTN.
