Golfer Ronald Rugumayo lands sh100m deal

Ugandan professional golfer Ronald Rugumayo has pledged to take on greater challenges in his career after receiving a Sh100 million sponsorship from MTN Uganda.

The telecom giant also presented him with a latest Samsung smartphone to help track his global tournament participation.

Speaking at Entebbe Golf Club, Rugumayo expressed gratitude for the financial support, stating it would ease the mental and monetary pressures of professional golf. 

"I've faced financial struggles, and golf requires a settled mind. I promise to continue raising Uganda's flag wherever I compete," he said.

Rugumayo called on the public and corporate sector to support his journey through MTN's merchant code 719110, tagged "Friends of Mayo." He was flanked by his manager Peter Mujuni and MTN's Devices Manager Ian Mugambe as he outlined his 2025 tournament schedule, beginning with the Zimbabwe Open (May 8-11) followed by the Kit-Kat Open in the U.S.

Mugambe explained MTN's decision to back Rugumayo: "We were inspired by his story of a golfer who walked to tournaments competing against players with all the advantages, yet still succeeded. We shouldn't wait for a Tiger Woods when we have our own talent. Our policy is to nurture grassroots potential."

The sponsorship has no fixed timeline and includes fundraising support and career promotion. Mujuni highlighted the extensive costs involved, from travel to coaching, insurance, and nutrition, particularly as Rugumayo competes in elite tours like the Sunshine Tour (South Africa), European Challenge Tour, DP World Tour, and U.S. events.

Rugumayo began as a caddie at Tooro Golf Club, inspired by George Kituku. After winning the 2017 Uganda Open and turning pro in 2019, he made history as the first indigenous East African to make the cut at a DP World Tour event (2023 Kenya Open).

The MTN boost aims to propel Rugumayo to new heights as he represents Uganda on golf's global stage.