Seven Ugandans make cut at Royal Nairobi as Gaita tops national leaderboard
Gaita was among seven Ugandans, including Abraham Ainamani and Grace Kasango, who also made the cut with total scores of 226 and 227, respectively.
Kibirige carded an overall 8-over 244 over 54 holes to finish joint 20th with seven others. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Rodell Gaita was Uganda’s best performer as the second leg of the 2026 Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, the NCBA Royal Classic, ended at the century-old Royal Nairobi Golf Club in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Gaita carded an overall 8-over 244 over 54 holes to finish joint 20th with seven others: Nigerian Kamalo Bako, Englishman Elliot Bradley, as well as Kenyans Mike Kisia, Wasim Ali (Amateur), Erick Ooko Obura, Samuel Njoroge and another Ugandan Marvin Kibirige, who all returned the same score.
Gaita was among seven Ugandans, including Abraham Ainamani and Grace Kasango, who also made the cut with total scores of 226 and 227, respectively. Phillip Kasozi, Irene Nakalembe and James Koto missed the cut in the event won by Kenyan Daniel Nduva, who returned 3-under 213 to pocket the biggest share of sh57m (sh11m).
There was a six-way tie for second place with four Kenyans: John Lejirma, David Wakhu, Greg Snow and Adel Balala, as well as Rwandan Celestine Nsanzuwera and Nigerian Sunday Olapade, all returning 1-under 215 in 54 holes.
The Ugandans will now try their luck once again in the SDT-EAS 3 Kabete Challenge at Vet Lab Spots Club, June 14-16, bringing together one of the strongest and most diverse fields assembled on the Tour this season. Players from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States are battling for crucial Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, Order of Merit points, and a share of the cash on each of these events. The field features a compelling blend of established professionals, elite amateurs, junior players, and leading women golfers from across the continent.
Top ten at Royal Nairobi
Daniel Nduva (KEN) 67 74 72 213
John Lejrima (KEN) 77 69 69 215
Celestine Nsanzuwera (RWA) 72 73 70 215
David Wakhu (KEN) 72 72 71 215
Greg Snow (KEN) 67 76 72 215
Adel Balala (KEN) 66 75 74 215
Sunday Olapade (NIG) 73 67 75 215
Nuru Morell (TZ) 72 71 73 216
Nelson Mudanyi (KEN) 67 75 75 217
Edwin Mudanyi (KEN) 75 73 71 219