After two rounds of play, Tanzanian golfer Neema Olomi and Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama are joint leaders of the Ladies Open of the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship currently underway at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
The duo is tied with a total gross score 153 ahead of tomorrow’s final round.
Uganda’s top contender, Martha Babirye, a three-time winner, is tied for third with Kenya’s Ashley Awor off 157, however, the former will be in the Saturday pressure group.
Olomi, the day one leader, didn’t turn up like she did in the opening round. With a 41 on the front nine and a 39 on the back nine of the par-71 course, she carded an 80 on day two, missing the chance to take the outright lead heading into the final round.
“Today’s round was not so good, but it wasn’t that bad either. I struggled on some holes, but overall, I’m alright. I’ve planned for Saturday very well. I will keep a level head so I can come out as the winner of this tournament. I’ll try harder not to repeat the mistakes I made today.” Olomi, the 2018 winner said.
Nyanchama, who’s in pursuit for her maiden Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open title was second on day one and she’s not letting go of the podium.
She opened her round with a birdie on the par-4 hole one, added another on the par-4 13th, and recorded only four bogeys throughout the round, carding a 75 on day two, three shots better than her day one performance.
“Today’s round was really good, I enjoyed it. I just missed a few holes, but I know tomorrow I will do better. I stayed relaxed with no pressure because I knew I was already up there. Now I am used to the course, even the tough parts. In the final round, I will just play the course as it is, stay calm, and give it my best,” Nyanchama said.
Despite birding twice, Babirye struggled to find consistency as she added three shots to her day one score, finishing day two with 80.
“The round was tough, and I couldn’t score the way I wanted, especially with the heat, which was much worse than yesterday. Hole 2 was the hardest for me because I made a seven there, and that messed me up early. Still, I’m staying positive because I’m only four shots behind. As long as I keep my scores steady and the weather is better tomorrow, I believe I can still make it,” Babirye said.
Playing on her home course, national team star Winnie Musuya sits in fifth place with a total score of 164, just one stroke ahead of defending champion Iddy Madina Hussein.
Uganda’s trio of Meron Kyomugisha (167), Lillian Koowe (169), Joweria Namnda (172), and Tanzania’s Vicky Elias (172) complete the top 10 on the leaderboard.
The bronze category players joined the action on Friday. The subsidiaries (men) will play on Saturday, meaning the final round will feature a full course.
The 19th Hole experience will feature the She Walks Sip Over celebration, a signature event under Johnnie Walker’s She Walks Mentorship Program. The Sip Over is dedicated to spotlighting and celebrating women who are making significant strides in golf and across various fields.
Entertainment will be headlined by songstress Vinka, with MC Ronnie as the host.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS sports, and MTN MoMo
