Ronald Rugumayo leads 2026 Johnnie Walker Pro Open after 69 in Kampala

Ronald Rugumayo holds a one-shot lead after the opening round of the 2026 Johnnie Walker Pro Open, carding three under par in Kampala. The Ugandan finished with a 69 on the par-72 Uganda Golf Club course on Wednesday, 2 September.

Rugumayo made six birdies, nine pars and three bogeys in a round contested by professionals from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria. His final hole was a par-four where he dropped a shot, but the 69 was still enough to give him sole possession of first place.

Cameroon’s Fon Pristhy, Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco and Uganda’s Tadeo Rodell Gaita share second place on two under par after rounds of 70. They are the nearest challengers as the tournament moves into its second round on Thursday.

Rugumayo’s six birdies were the joint-highest total of the day, matching Uganda Professional Golfers Association president Davis Kato. Across the 115 players who completed the day, there were 259 birdies and 16 eagles. Nine professionals finished at one under 71, while eight returned level-par 72s.

The 116-player field also included five women professionals. Evah Magala and Flavia Namakula were the leading women after opening rounds of 78, with Irene Nakalembe on 80, Angel Eaton on 82 and Nigeria’s Cynthia Maurice on 84. Rwandan professional Aloys Nsabimana withdrew after playing 11 holes.

Thursday’s second round will take the championship to 36 holes. Players who remain above the cut line will advance to the final two rounds, with the official prize-giving ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 5 September.