Ronald Rugumayo produced a stunning final-round comeback to win the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open, ending Uganda’s 12-year wait for the prestigious title.
Rugumayo, popularly known as Mayo, fired an impressive six-under 66 in Saturday’s final round at Uganda Golf Club to finish on nine-under 279, overturning a two-shot deficit and winning the championship by four strokes.
The Tooro-born golfer entered the final day in a share of sixth place, two shots behind overnight leader Godwin Okoko of Nigeria.
However, Rugumayo delivered when it mattered most, carding eight birdies in a sensational closing round that proved decisive.
His victory makes him Uganda’s first Johnnie Walker Uganda Open champion since Deo Akope in 2014, bringing an end to a decade of dominance by visiting professionals.
Since Akope’s triumph, the title had been won by golfers from Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, with Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera claiming last year’s championship at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
Rugumayo’s victory looked unlikely after Friday’s third round, when he carded a four-over 74 containing six bogeys.
That dropped him to three-under and into a tie for sixth alongside Phillip Kasozi, Dismas Indiza, Samuel Njoroge and Paul Chidale, while Okoko surged to the top with a brilliant 67.
Rugumayo, who had opened the tournament with rounds of 69 and 70, responded with arguably the best performance of his professional career on the final day.
“It is a dream come true,” Rugumayo said after receiving the trophy.
The victory was particularly emotional for the golfer, who dedicated his triumph to the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro.
“In the times of sorrow as we mourn our king, I have managed to put a smile on my people of Tooro. I dedicate my win to the late King Oyo,” he said.
Rugumayo also revealed that Friday’s disappointing round had kept him awake as he worked out how to approach the final holes.
“I did not sleep after day three, until 1am. I was pondering how to encounter the last four holes,” he said.
Okoko eventually finished second on eight-under 283, while Zambia’s Greg Snow was third on four-under 284.
Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel finished fourth on three-under 285, with defending champion Nsanzuwera fifth on two-under 286.
The championship once again highlighted the growing continental appeal of professional golf in Uganda, attracting players from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Malawi, Ghana and South Africa.
The tournament concluded with the Johnnie Walker Afro Exchange 19th Hole experience under the theme ‘Lagos Night’, with Ugandan singer Joshua Baraka headlining the celebrations.
The event also featured DJs Shock and Vans, while guests embraced the Nigerian-inspired theme through music, fashion, food and culture.
Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda said the Afro Exchange complemented the action on the course by creating a platform for engagement beyond the competition.
“Afro Exchange gave us a unique way to connect with the golfing community throughout the tournament. From the competition on the course to the experiences off it, we were able to create moments that felt fresh while celebrating the spirit of progress and togetherness at the heart of Keep Walking,” Kyokunda said.
Uganda Breweries Limited Board Chairman Jimmy Mugerwa said the quality of competition demonstrated the growing stature of the Uganda Open and its importance in exposing local golfers to different levels of continental competition.
The 2026 championship also paved the way for next year’s edition, with Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa receiving the baton to host the 2027 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open.
Uganda Golf Union President Dr Jackson Were hailed the continued support of Johnnie Walker and other partners, saying the Union was already looking forward to building on the success of this year’s championship.
The 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open was supported by ABSA, MTN MoMo, Aquafina, Pepsi, Case Clinic, Medisell, Rose Foam, Pearl Marina and NBS Sport.
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