Rugumayo takes commanding lead as Watoto Golf tournament tees off
Rugumayo enjoyed a bogey-free round laced with six birdies to take the lead ahead of Grace Kasango, who carded a 3-under 69.
Equity Bank Managing Director Gift Shoko (left) presents a sh10m cheque to Lucy Akello one of the beneficiaries from the Watoto Neighborhood Program, Senior Pastor & Team Leader, Watoto Church Ministries Julius Rwotlonyo and Grace Birabwa (right) another beneficiary from the Neighborhood Program towards the Watoto Golf Tournament that concludes on Saturday at Uganda Golf Course Kitante. Courtesy photo
Ronald Rugumayo shot an opening round 6-under 66 to take a 3-stroke lead as the Watoto Professional Golf Tournament teed off at the Uganda Golf Club on Wednesday.
Rugumayo enjoyed a bogey-free round laced with six birdies to take the lead ahead of Grace Kasango, who carded a 3-under 69.
Rodell Gaita (70), David Kamulindwa, and Herman Mutaawe (71) also started strongly with red numbers ahead of the second round, where a cut will be effected for the top 12 players and ties.
In the elite amateurs' competition being played concurrently, Lugazi Golf and Country Club's Juma Abiti and Reagan Akena opened with a uniform 1-under 71 each to stay joint top ahead of 60 other contestants.
The tournament began on Monday with a caddies' competition featuring 59 participants. The elite amateur competition continues through Friday, while the professionals conclude on Saturday during the main event, which will unite golfers, sponsors, corporate teams, and guests for competition, networking, and fundraising.
The event also features a "New to Golf" clinic, offering first-time participants the chance to experience the sport and expand its reach. This week, Uganda Golf Club is hosting an event that goes beyond golf—each round supports efforts to equip 1,000 vulnerable mothers with the skills and capital needed to start sustainable businesses.
The third Watoto Golf Tournament, themed "Hope on the Green," seeks to raise sh450 million to provide business starter kits valued at sh450,000 each for women pursuing economic independence.
At the tournament's partners' press briefing on Wednesday, Watoto Church Ministries Senior Pastor and Team Leader Julius Rwotlonyo emphasised that the event demonstrates how sport can drive social transformation.
"Golf can be played for a career, competition, or camaraderie, but it can also be played for a cause. That is what Watoto Golf is about. We are taking the game beyond the green to bring hope to vulnerable mothers," he said.
Rwotlonyo noted that empowering women generates positive impacts for families and communities. "Once a mother is empowered, you have empowered her family," he added, urging golfers, corporate organisations, and supporters to contribute to the initiative.
Uganda Golf Club Chairman Paul Nuwagaba reaffirmed the club's ongoing support for the annual event. "We will continue to host this tournament and work with our partners to ensure it remains a special event that delivers hope to communities beyond the golf course," he said.
CFAO Mobility Uganda is a lead sponsor for the third consecutive year. Brand Manager Patricia Tusuubira stated that the company remains committed to supporting vulnerable women through economic empowerment. To enhance the event, CFAO is offering two hole-in-one prizes: a Suzuki S-Presso at Hole 9 and a Suzuki XL6 at Hole 17.
Equity Bank has joined as a sponsor, contributing sh10 million and providing free financial literacy training to women through its EquiMama Program.
Since 2008, the Watoto Neighbourhood Programme has equipped over 8,700 vulnerable women in Uganda and South Sudan with business skills, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship. This year's tournament marks another step toward Watoto's goal of empowering 10,000 mothers by 2034, demonstrating that every swing can change lives.