Rugumayo wins third Watoto Professionals Golf tournament at Kitante

Ronald Rugumayo posted a 10-under 278 over 72 holes to win the third Watoto Professionals Golf Tournament at Kitante on Saturday.

Rugumayo recorded 16 birdies and an eagle over four rounds, including five birdies in the final round, to secure his second consecutive victory at Kitante within a week.

He previously won the Uganda Golf Club (UGC) Ladies Professionals' Open.

The top individuals who team up to emerge overall winners pose with their prizes at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

His win at the "Hope on the Green" charity tournament earned him the largest share of the sh20 million prize fund. The professionals donated sh5 million to the Watoto initiative, which aims to raise sh450m to provide at least 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits valued at sh450,000 each, helping them start income-generating enterprises and support their families.

Rugumayo finished three strokes ahead of Rodel Gaita (281), while Phillip Kasozi (283) placed third, five strokes behind the winner. Grace Kasango, who was tied with Rugumayo after the second round, finished fourth.

Rugumayo will now hang around and remain locked in for the Uganda Open despite the Sunshine Tour events also calling. "The conditions were much better compared to the past two events. The course was softer following the rain in the opening round, and it offered me more control. But at the end of the day, whatever you return is what counts," Rugumayo said.

Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo (right) the Team Leader at Watoto Church Ministries presents a trophy to amateur winner Juma Abiti after the Watoto Golf Tornament at Kitante, August 8, 2026. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"I think what I can talk about is my consistency. I have managed to play all three events under par; the first I scored 10-under, won the second with 12-under, and this with 10-under: 32-under in three events is really something to look up to.

"With professional golf, the more you play, the better you get, and this has offered the momentum needed for the Uganda Open. This has been good for all of us. Over the years, there has been huge improvement in our ranks, and I can only thank my fellow professionals for putting in the work and all the sacrifices behind the scenes," Rugumayo stated.

In the elite amateur competition, Juma Abiti, fresh from winning the Tanna Memorial Golf Open in Tororo, defeated Joseph Cwinyaai in a sudden-death play-off. Both finished with 2-over 218 after 54 holes, with Abiti claiming the largest share of the sh10m, four of which was also donated to Watoto.

Earlier, Denis Kabarira and Joweria Namanda led the caddies' contest with scores of 75 and 84, respectively.

Playing under the Watoto team, Eddie Okira (38pts), Isaac Nsereko (37), Ivan Dushime (37), and Ethan Namara (31) topped the corporate competition with 112pts, one ahead of KCB 2 comprised of Lawrence Walakira (38), Frista Birabwa (37), Rebecca Muwanguzi (33), and Kenneth Baija (35).

A team of four individuals, Erick Miller (41pts), Wycliff Onduso (41), Isaac Kimani, and Samuel Kabuchi (36) combined to win the individual team award with 118 points.

A galaxy of sponsors, including Equity Bank, MTN MoMo, Stanbic Bank, Jubilee Insurance, Britam, Absa, Fairway Boutique Hotel, Opportunity Bank, Sheraton Hotel, among others, supported the event.

Damali Balungi, the manager in international banking at Equity and the lady captain for the Equity Bank golf team, who was flanked by the managing director, Gift Shoko, said the Watoto cause resonates deeply with their mission of transforming lives and restoring dignity within the community.

The top individual players pose with UGC Chairman Paul Nuwagaba (2nd left), Equity Bank's Gift Shoko (3rd right) and Watoto Church's Julius Rwotlonyo (2nd right) at Kitante. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"Our fellow sponsors, the professional golfers, elite amateurs, and everyone who participated in and supported this fundraising event. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference," she said.

Stanbic Bank's Arthur Kiwanuka, flanked by Chief Executive Mark Ocitti Ongom, said:

"We are here for two main reasons. Firstly, it aligns with our partners, and Uganda is like a second home to us. We aim to foster growth, and looking after the people in Uganda is a priority. Secondly, Watoto is a partner we can truly rely on. They establish systems to manage whatever initiatives they undertake, and we're confident that any funds entrusted to them will reach the intended beneficiaries. We donate about 1% of our earnings to charity, and Watoto Initiatives is one of our key causes," Kiwanuka stated.

Contributions to the Watoto cause can be made via MoMo by dialling *165*11#, merchant code WCCM, and following further prompts.