Ronald Rugumayo, one of East Africa’s top golfers, emerged the leader of day one of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship, at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.

Rugumayo, who was recently unveiled as the newest Walker (influencer), by global whisky brand- Johnnie Walker, the Uganda Open title sponsor, carded 4-under 67 to take the day one bragging rights.

Rugumayo, who teed off last on the day, had an impressive round, opening with a birdie on hole one. He went ahead to return birdies in holes 3, 7, 10, 11, 16, and 17. He only dropped three shots.

“I came to enjoy myself, but I had a game plan, which I stuck to. I’m really happy it paid off,” a relaxed Rugumayo told the media. He added: “I think I could have done even better, but at the end of the day, you take the result you managed. I’m looking forward to the second round.”

Kenya’s Dismas Indiza, a six-time winner, is behind Rugumayo by two strokes. He’s tied with countrymate- the fast-rising star Mohit Mediratta.

Uganda’s amateur Anthony Otukei played -1 under 71. He’s tied for fourth with Kenya’s Greg Snow.

Three Ugandans- Abraham Ainamani, Rodell Gaita, and Joshua Seale, played level par, and are tied on sixth with three others, including; 2019 Open amateur winner- Kenya’s Daniel Nduva, Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh, and Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi- a two-time professionals’ winner.

The event features two lady professionals- Flavia Namakula and Irene Nakalembe, both of former champions in the ladies’ category of the Open.

The Johnnie Walker Uganda Professionals Open Golf Championship continues today (Thursday), where only the top 30 players (including ties), will make it to the next two rounds.

The Professionals are competing for a total kitty of Shs 150m, that will be shared according to performance.

The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship is sponsored by Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MoMo.