Rugumayo edges ahead in Absa Chairman's Bell

Ronald Rugumayo recorded a tournament-best 6-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the Absa Chairman's Bell Professionals Golf Tournament at Kitante on Wednesday.

Matching his first-round performance, Rugumayo made eight birdies to overtake overnight leader Grace Kasango, who shot 69, three strokes higher than his opening round.

Returning from South Africa, where he made the cut in both the Mopani Zambia Open and the KCM Golf Challenge last month, Rugumayo started Wednesday with three consecutive birdies, matching Kasango's strong start. However, a double bogey on the par-3 fourth and a bogey on the par-4 12th interrupted his momentum. Despite these setbacks, he finished the first 36 holes one stroke ahead.

Kasango, who had a bogey-free opening round, faltered with bogeys on the par-4 16th and 18th, despite five early birdies. Rodell Gaita replicated his opening round 1-under 71 to move to third, while Phillip Kasozi, David Kamulindwa, and Flavia Namakula also climbed the leaderboard as a cut was effected.

Abdu Kakeeto's best-of-the-round 71 propeled him to the top in the amateurs' competition. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Sixteen of the 31 entries made the cut, which was set at +7, and will partake of the sh20m prize money.

In the elite amateurs' competition, Abdu Kakeeto, who was tied for ninth after the opening round with a score of 76, shot a best-of-the-round 1-under 71 to take a one-stroke lead after the second round. He leads Hassan Kiyemba, who improved by two strokes with a 73. Kakeeto recorded three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole to move to the top of the leaderboard.

Joseph Kasozi and overnight leader Lawrence Walakira are tied for second with Kiyemba, all at 4-over 148 after 36 holes. The championship remains closely contested, with Bruce Gomushabe (150), Ernest Rukundo (151), and Brian Mande (152) trailing by only three or four strokes heading into the final round.

In the ladies' division, Judith Komugisha shot a 3-over 75 to lead going into the last round of the 54-hole contest. She improved by seven strokes to overtake day-one leader Frista Birabwa, who dropped to fifth after an 87 in her second round. Gloria Mbaguta is four strokes behind the leader, while Joweria Namanda, who won the caddies tournament on Monday, and Gloria Kakonge are chasing five and six strokes off the leader, respectively.

Round 2: Top ten pros

Ronald Rugumayo 67 67 134

Grace Kasango 66 69 135

Rodell Gaita 71 71 142

Phillip Kasozi 73 72 145

David Kamulindwa 72 73 145

Flavia Namakula 73 73 146

Abraham Ainamani 70 76 146

Marvin Kibirige 75 73 148

Vincent Byamukama 79 70 149

Herman Mutebi 75 75 150

Rd 2: Top five amateurs men

Abdu Kakeeto     76 71 147

Hassan Kiyemba 75 73 148

Joseph Kasozi      74 74 148

Lawrence Walakira 69 79 148

Bruce Gomushabe 75 75 150

Rd 2: Top five amateurs ladies

Judith Komugisha 82 75 157

Gloria Mbaguta     82 79 161

Joweria Namanda 84 78 162

Gloria Kakonge      80 83 163

Berna Musanabera 80 85 165

Frista Birabwa        78 87 165