Uganda's top women golfers seek to end foreign dominance at 88th Ladies Open

Uganda’s top women golfers face a big challenge as the 88th Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Golf Open begins at Uganda Golf Club this Thursday.

In the last two years, players from other countries have won this annual championship, which has a long tradition of top regional golfers.

Last year, Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama won the trophy after a double play-off with Tanzania’s Neema Olomi. They both finished with a score of 230 over 54 holes. Uganda’s Martha Babirye came in third, three strokes behind Olomi at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

Back in 2004, Tanzania’s Iddy Madina won with a 54-hole score of 228, taking advantage after Uganda’s Babirye struggled in the final round. Madina finished two strokes ahead of fellow Tanzanian Hawa Wanyeche, while Babirye placed third, four shots behind.

Now Babirye and her teammates, including Peace Kabasweka, who missed last year’s competition having travelled to the US, have a chance to challenge another strong group of foreign players, including five Tanzanians, Vicky Elias, Neema Olomi, Hawa Wanyeche, Yasmin Chali, and Ayne Magombe, plus Nigerian Juliana Igbinadolor and Rwandan Sylivie Ikoze. They are among 45 women competing in the silver category.

Based on recent results, Uganda’s top hope is Peace Kabasweka, who won the UGC Ladies Open on this course just ten days ago, finishing six strokes ahead of Babirye and Judith Komugisha. Meron Kyomugisha, Lillian Koowe, and Joyce Kisembo, who all finished in the top ten, are also aiming for their first Uganda Ladies Open win.

“I am looking forward to representing Uganda very well. I have played a number of tournaments in preparation for the Uganda Open. I believe if we all put in more effort, we shall have our trophy remain here,” Kabasweka said.

A possible surprise in the World Amateur Golf Ranking event is Wiltshire Kagoro, a Grade 12 student at ESCA School Wanderers in South Africa. Last week, she won the Botswana Ladies Open with rounds of 72, 79, and 76, finishing at 227.

“This championship represents the pinnacle of women’s amateur golf in Uganda, bringing together the country’s finest talent alongside regional competitors to celebrate excellence, sportsmanship, and the continued growth of the game,” ULGU president Rita Apell stated.

“My sincere appreciation goes to our title sponsor, Johnnie Walker, our partners, the Uganda Golf Union, Uganda Golf Club, tournament officials, volunteers, and everyone whose dedication makes this championship possible. To all our players, I wish you every success as you compete with passion, integrity, and respect for the game.”