Johnnie Walker, Absa pump sh950m as Uganda Golf Open returns to Kitante

Ugandan lady golfers are expected to perform strongly as the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open begins Thursday with the ladies’ tournament at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

The title has eluded Ugandan players for the past two editions, with Tanzanian Iddy Madina winning in 2024 at Entebbe and Kenyan Mercy Nyachama claiming victory last year at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

Peace Kabasweka, Uganda’s 2023 champion, will lead the hosts’ charge in this annual event. 

Uganda Breweries, through the Johnnie Walker brand, has committed sh650 million to support the four-in-one tournament. Absa Bank Uganda has also chipped in with sh300m that will support the Pro-Am tournament, from which the top ten golfers will be supported to participate in the 2027 Magical Kenya Open. From August 13 to September 5, Uganda Golf Club will host a series of competitions under the Uganda Open, including the sh10m prize money event for ladies, amateurs, seniors, professionals, and juniors. 

Edward Kimathi (right) Commercial Director at UBL shares a light moment with Denise Paula Nazzinda (left), Christine Kyokunda, Jackson Were and Paul Rukundo during the launch of this year's Johnnie Walker Uganda Open at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

At the Kitante launch yesterday, Christine Kyokunda, brand manager for Johnnie Walker, emphasised that golf represents more than a sport for the brand; it is an opportunity to engage customers and create memorable experiences. She expressed excitement for this year's Open, announcing new elements to the tournament. The ladies' event will feature a "shoebox experience," while the amateur and professional segments will offer an "Afro-exchange experience," both designed to deliver something unique for attendees. Kyokunda assured that these additions will blend music, fashion, art, and golf, providing an exceptional Johnnie Walker experience. 

She also highlighted plans at the "19th hole" to educate consumers on enjoying Johnnie Walker, including tasting different flavours and cocktails. Additionally, the brand will offer a bespoke gifting service as the gifting season approaches. The launch was also attended by Edward Kimathi, commercial director at UBL, and a host of co-sponsors’ representatives, including Billy Bisanga, head client and digital marketing at Absa, Evelyn Birungi from Case Hospital, Sylivia Alaw (Pearl Marina); Grace Namutebi (Aquafina); Paul Ediedu (MTN MoMo); and Mohamed (Rose Foam), who all pledged their commitment to the event.

The golf leadership was represented by UGU president Jackson Were, ULGU vice president Hellen Lunkuse, the tournament director Paul Charles Rukundo, the UGC chairman Paul Nuwagaba and the UGC captain Brian Rwabwogo. Kimathi thanked the partners for their collaboration and promised great evenings that come after the golf events.

Rukundo said the ladies' open will be followed by the seniors' open starting August 21 before the World Amateur Golf Ranking amateurs' open, August 25-28.

The Absa Pro-Am will follow on September 1 before the sh150m-prize money professional’s open, September 2-5. The juniors' opening will follow thereafter. UGU president Were said he was looking forward to golfers enjoying the exceptional hospitality that UGC offers.

“I’m particularly impressed that this year, John Walker still bounced back as a strategic partner, the main sponsor, and all the other sponsors. We thank you very much for walking this journey with us,” Were said. He said a big field of professionals is expected from all over Africa, fighting for the sh150m prize money, while the amateurs will play for sh15m. We would like to invite the entire public to come and be part of the five weeks of engagement at Uganda Golf Club. A good experience to carry forward and also to remember good memories from this year's event. We want to again thank the club for offering all the facilities for both players and the public to access and enjoy. We invite the public to come and be part of the John Walker Uganda Open 2026.”

The Uganda Golf Union and UGC leadership pose with the sponsors' representatives during the launch of this year's Johnnie Walker Uganda Open at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Co-sponsors speak: Billy Bisanga-Absa

We are pleased that Absa Bank is participating in this special tournament for the seventh consecutive year and maintaining our sponsorship of sh300m for the second year. Golf is important to us at Absa, as it allows us to offer our golfers opportunities to participate in PGA tour events such as the Magical Kenya Open.

We are committed to sending another 10 golfers in 2027 to compete in Nairobi. Additionally, we will continue partnering with the Uganda Golf Union to expand these activities and provide local golfers with greater exposure and opportunities to showcase their talent.

Paul Ediedu (MTN MoMo)

This is our second consecutive partnership with the Uganda Golf Union, and we are committed to making payments on and off the course easy and seamless. As MTN Mobile Money, we will continue supporting the growth of golf alongside our partners. We recently launched Travel by Momo, a product that allows both golfers and non-golfers to book flights worldwide easily and conveniently.

Everything is in order. It's Sylvia Alal from Pearl Marina Estates. This is our first time working with the Uganda Golf Open, and we're really looking forward to being part of this experience with the players, our partners, and the golf union. Thanks for having us. Pearl Marina Estates is situated in Faroga, Entebbe.

It's a lakeside city that's currently being developed. We're the main developers, and we've built around 500 homes and also provided serviced plots. We'll be involved throughout this event and are eager to connect with everyone and discuss the possibilities available. We genuinely wish the team a fantastic tournament. It's great to see the various age groups competing, from the juniors to the seniors.

Grace Namutebi - Aquafina

We are pleased to join you in celebrating another year of outstanding golf talent and sportsmanship. As Aquafina, we are proud to serve as the official hydration partner for this year's Uganda Golf Open.

Golf requires focus, discipline, and confidence, and each player brings a unique style and strategy. This aligns with our new campaign, which encourages youth to be authentic. We will ensure players remain refreshed and hydrated throughout the Open with our high-quality products.

Evelyn Birungi - Case Hospital

“At Case Hospital, we believe that healthcare should find you where you're at, and we're proud to be the sponsors of the medical part of this championship. So, golf may look like a gentle walk across a beautiful course, but anybody who has played knows that between the sun, the swing, and the walks, your medical health is very important. At Case Hospital, we believe healthcare should meet you where you are, and we are proud to sponsor the medical services for this championship. While golf may appear to be a gentle sport, it requires significant physical effort, making medical support essential. We will be on site throughout the championship to provide comprehensive medical care. Our goal is for every player to compete confidently, every guest to enjoy the event worry-free, and every family to know that Case Hospital is here if needed."

Desire Derekford Mugumisa – Next Media

We have maintained a strong relationship with the union, particularly through this event. This marks the third year of our current agreement to ensure this and other golf events across the country receive the recognition they deserve. Events like this help provide Ugandan golfers, both amateurs and professionals with platforms to build their brands and succeed for the benefit of Uganda.

Sylvia Alal - Pearl Marina Estates

“We're really thrilled to be partnering with the Uganda Golf Open for the first time and are eager to support the players, partners, and the golf union on this adventure. We're looking forward to this journey and are excited to engage with everyone, discussing the possibilities available to them. It's wonderful to see the various divisions competing, from the juniors to the seniors, which really highlights that golf is a sport for all ages. Following the president's lead, we'd like to encourage the public to come out and learn more about the sport. It's a fantastic opportunity.

Brian Rwabwogo - UGC Captain Club

We thank the sponsors and the Uganda Golf Union for the opportunity to host this edition of the Uganda Open. The course is in excellent condition, and we are well prepared, even as we anticipate rain. We warmly welcome families, athletes, and visitors to enjoy the tournament.

Paul Nuwagaba – UGC Chairman

This is the home of golf, and we are delighted to host you once again. On behalf of our directors, board of trustees, and all members of Uganda Golf Club, we look forward to welcoming you. Beyond the course, our sponsors have made exciting commitments, and we are confident everyone will enjoy the experience, especially at the 19th hole with John Walker. It is our honour and pleasure to host you this year.

Hellen Lunkuse – ULGU vice president

It is a privilege to celebrate the game of golf, especially as it supports young women. I thank all our sponsors, particularly John Walker, for their commitment to empowering girls.

I encourage all women to join and play this wonderful game. With continued support, especially through initiatives like the ladies' kitty, we have seen increased participation and competitiveness among female golfers.