Muhumuza eager to end Uganda Open jinx

This year's Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Open offers Toro Golf Club's Adolf Muhumuza the last chance to compete as an amateur, and he is determined to win it before joining the professional ranks.

And to ensure that becomes a reality, the national team captain has already embarked on specialized training on and off the course; from the way he trains to the way he eats.

"I am on a special diet of less carbohydrate and more proteins as I finalize my preparations for the upcoming tournament. I have been perfecting my drive and Wedge selection. I have also put in some good practice time at the Kitante Golf Course." Muhumuza who has twice finished as runner up in the Mehta and Mayombo Open tournaments ahead of the open said.

"This is my last amateur event whatever the outcome and I'm ready to play. We are now second to South Africa in golf so I think we don't have to fear anyone and the trophy will remain in Uganda," .

But he knows he has to work extra hard as the championship is set to attract a number of foreign competitors on top of the local opposition, who are all working hard to ensure the accolade remains on home soil.

"It will be very challenging as usual but I am looking forward to seeing and playing alongside Ronald Otile and some major opponents such as; the Kenyan captain - Bo Ciera and Zambia's Aaron Simfukwe."

Coming off winning the Windhoek Lager Africa Jacket title, Aaron Simfukwe will be one of the main threats for Muhumuza and other Ugandans but he is unfazed by the challenge.

Muhumuza (left) receives the runners-up trophy from UGC Captain Anthony Kerali after the Mayombo Open. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Regular contenders Becca Mwanja, Ronald Rugumayo, Grace Kasango, Ashiraf Bagalana and Ismail Mahmood among others are all down to work to ensure they win.

Entry fees for the open has been set at sh140,000 while those to play in the subsidiary will pay sh80,000/-.

Tusker Malt Lager has increased this year's cash sponsorship of the Uganda Golf Open from sh200m to sh230m. An additional sh270m as none cash sponsorship has also been injected into the tournament, taking the total sponsorship kit up to sh500m.

An all-expenses paid trip to Abu Dhabi awaits both the winner of the Uganda Open and the Professionals Open that will be played on August 31-September 3.