The 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship has been launched with a Shs650 million sponsorship and execution package, setting the stage for a month of competition at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.

The championship, organised by the Uganda Golf Union (UGU) in partnership with Johnnie Walker Uganda, will run from August 13 to September 5 and will bring together professional, amateur, senior and female golfers from Uganda, East Africa and across the continent.

The tournament was officially launched at the Uganda Golf Club with a putting challenge on the 18th hole involving partners ahead of the championship.

The Ladies Open will open the tournament from August 13 to 15. It will feature the Johnnie Walker She Walks Experience, a platform designed to celebrate, inspire and promote women in golf.

The Ladies Open is recognised as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event and is expected to attract leading female golfers from Uganda and the region.

The Seniors Open will follow from August 21 to 22, before the Amateur Open runs from August 25 to 28.

The championship will climax with the Professionals Open from September 2 to 5, when leading professional golfers from Uganda, East Africa and beyond will compete for the 2026 Uganda Open title.

Beyond the competition, organisers and sponsors are introducing the Afro Exchange Experience, which will bring music, fashion and art into the tournament through activities around the 19th hole.

Christine Kyokunda, Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager, said the partnership is intended to make the Uganda Open more than a sporting competition.

“Johnnie Walker has always been about progress, ambition and celebrating those who continue to move themselves and their communities forward. The Uganda Open is a powerful expression of that spirit,” Kyokunda said.

She added that the brand wants to connect golf with Africa’s contemporary culture.

“Through our partnership, we are looking to elevate the experience around the tournament, creating moments that extend beyond the course and bring golf into conversation with the culture, creativity and contemporary lifestyle of Africa,” she said.

Uganda Breweries Limited Commercial Director Edward Kimathi said the company’s investment is aimed at supporting both sport and experiences around the championship.

“At Uganda Breweries, we believe the strongest partnerships are those that create value beyond the sponsorship itself,” Kimathi said.

“Our continued investment in the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open is about supporting a platform that brings together talent, ambition and opportunity, while creating an experience that Ugandans and visitors can connect with.”

Uganda Golf Union president Jackson Were said the championship remains an important platform for developing the sport and showcasing Uganda as a golfing destination.

“The Uganda Open continues to hold an important place in the history and development of golf in Uganda and the region,” Were said.

“It provides an important platform for golfers at different stages of their careers to compete, connect and grow.”

Tournament director and UGU vice-president Paul Charles Rukundo said organisers have already received entries from golfers outside Uganda and are expecting strong participation across the different categories.

“Registration is already open and we have already received entries from golfers from different countries,” Rukundo said.

“This year, we are also looking at the tournament as an opportunity to show what is possible when strong competition is matched by a strong experience.”

Rukundo said the organisers want both players and spectators to appreciate the standard of golf Uganda can deliver.

“We want players and spectators to leave with a greater appreciation of the tournament, the sport and the standard of golf that Uganda can deliver,” he added.

Absa Bank will return as sponsor of the Pro-Am event, which will be held ahead of the Professionals Open.

Billy Bisanga, Absa Bank’s Head of Client and Digital Marketing, said the bank will maintain its tradition of giving Pro-Am winners an opportunity to compete at the Magical Kenya Open in Nairobi.

“Through the Absa Pro-Am, amateur and professional golfers compete alongside each other, with a pathway to international exposure through the Magical Kenya Open on the DP World Tour,” Bisanga said.

He added that more than 60 Ugandan golfers have benefited from the initiative over the past six years.

“We are proud to continue investing in a platform that gives Ugandan golfers the opportunity to compete at a higher level,” he said.

Uganda Breweries will also showcase its premium beer portfolio, including White Cap, Tusker Malt and Tusker Lite, during the championship.

The 2026 Uganda Open is supported by Absa, MTN MoMo, Aquafina, Pepsi, Case Clinic, Medisell, Rose Foam, Pearl Marina and NBS Sport.