Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo has set the early pace at the 2026 Johnnie Walker Professionals’ Golf Open after carding a three-under-par 69 in the opening round at Uganda Golf Club on Wednesday.
Rugumayo emerged from a competitive field of 116 professionals with a one-shot advantage after 18 holes on the par-72 course in Kampala.
His opening round featured six birdies, nine pars and three bogeys as he negotiated the sunny conditions to finish at 3-under 69.
Cameroon’s Fon Pristhy, Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco and fellow Ugandan Tadeo Rodell Gaita are his closest challengers, with the trio tied on 2-under 70.
Rugumayo’s round was particularly notable for his ability to find birdies, matching Uganda Professional Golfers Association president Davis Kato for the day’s highest tally of six birdies.
“It was a good round, and I’m happy for the opening round,” Rugumayo said after completing his round.
A group of nine players sits one shot further back after opening with 1-under 71s.
The group includes Ugandans Deo Akope, Samuel Kato, Hussein Bagalana, Willy Deus Kitata, Phillip Kasozi and Davis Kato, alongside Gabriel Chibale, Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel and Zambia’s Gabriel Chibale.
Cameroon’s Vincent Torgah also finished the first round at 1-under 71.
Eight more players recorded level-par 72s to remain within striking distance.
They are Sunday Olapade, Dennis Anguyo, Paul Chidale, John Kagiri, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Dismas Indiza, Celestine Nsanzuwera and Samuel Njoroge.
The opening round also produced 16 eagles, underlining the scoring opportunities presented by the Kampala course.
A total of 259 birdies were recorded by the 115 professionals who completed their first round.
Rwandese professional Aloys Nsabimana was unable to finish his round, withdrawing after 11 holes.
The professional field also included five women players, with Evah Magala and Flavia Namakula posting the best scores among them at 78.
Irene Nakalembe finished on 80, while Angel Eaton returned an 82 and Nigeria’s Cynthia Maurice carded 84.
The tournament moves into its second round on Thursday, September 3, with the professionals reaching the 36-hole stage of the championship.
The second round will be crucial as players look to secure their places beyond the cut. Those who survive the cut-line will advance to the final two rounds.
Rugumayo will enter the second round with a narrow advantage, but the packed leaderboard behind him leaves little room for error as the chase for the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open title intensifies.
