Rugumayo wins 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Pro Open

On Sep 5, 2026

Overview:

Ronald Rugumayo pocketed at least Ug.Shs 34,000,000; the lion’s share of the Ug.Shs 150,000,000 prize money kitty from the main sponsors, Uganda Breweries Limited under the Johnnie Walker brand.

2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Pro Open:

Champion: Ronald Rugumayo (Uganda) – 69, 70, 74, 66 (279)
1st runner-up: Godwin Okoko (Nigeria) – 76, 68, 67, 72 (283)
2nd runner-up: Greg Snow (Kenya) – 75, 71, 68, 70 (284)
4th: Nuru Mollel (The United Republic of Tanzania) – 71, 71, 72, 71 (285)
5th: Celestine Nsanzuwera (Rwanda) – 72, 72, 74, 68 (286)

A few metres from the 18th green at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club were 12 waving flags during the climax of the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Professional Open.

Uganda’s black-yellow-red flag flew at half-mast as the country continues to mourn the passing of Tooro Kingdom’s departed king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Rukidi IV.

On Saturday, 5th September 2026 at 4:48 p.m., one of Tooro Kingdom’s finest golfers, Ronald Rugumayo, was holing out for an even score on par-4 hole 18 during the climax of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Pro Open.

Ronald Rugumayo celebrates a successful putt on hole 18 | Credit: Don Mugabi

Rugumayo had posted his tournament round’s best score with 6-under-66 to clinch the championship for the first time.

He bettered the opening day score of 3-under-69, 2-under-70 (round two) and round three’s 2-over-74.

“It is a dream come true,” he started his speech moments after receiving his three trophies: the rotating trophy, personal take-home trophy and the one for the Sunshine Development Tour.

Ronald Rugumayo with his victory speech | Credit: Don Mugabi

Dedicates victory to King Oyo

“In the times of sorrow as we mourn our king, I have managed to put a smile on some Batoro. I dedicate my win to the late King Oyo,” he spoke as he held his trophy.

“I did not sleep after day three until 1:00 a.m., pondering how to encounter the last four holes. I thank all those who have supported me throughout my career,” he added.

Ronald Rugumayo pocketed at least Ug. Shs 34,000,000; a lion’s share of the Ug.Shs 150,000,000 prize money kitty from the main sponsor, Uganda Breweries Limited, under the Johnnie Walker brand.

This was the first Uganda Pro Open victory for Rugumayo after many years of soul-searching.

Ronald Rugumayo on the 18th green

Nigerian Godwin Okoko was runner-up with 76, 68, 67, 72 over four rounds for a total gross of 283.

Kenyan professional Greg Snow finished third overall with a total of 284.

Nuru Mollel from the United Republic of Tanzania and Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera were fourth and fifth with 285 and 286 scores, respectively.

Dominic Musonda (Zambia), Robson Chinhoi (Zimbabwe), Dayne Moore (Zambia), Willy Deus Kitata (Uganda), Sunday Olapade, David Kamulidwa, Dismas Indiza, Abraham Ainamani, Vincent Torgoh, Grace Kasango, Samuel Njoroge, Edwin Mudanyi, Denis Anguyo, Paul Chidale and Deo Akope were all in the top 20 positions.

Ronald Rugumayo (middle) receives his trophy | Credit: Don Mugabi

In total, 36 players (including one amateur, Musonda) made the cut after 36 holes of action.

This has been a Ugandan’s best performance at the Pro Open since Deo Akope’s success in 2014.

The Professional Open marked the graceful end of the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf series that also had ladies, seniors and amateurs.

Tanzanian Hawa Wanychehe was ladies’ champion. Elijah Luttu and Catherine Pavie won the seniors’ titles whilst Zambian Dominic Musonda was the best amateur.

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