Joseph Kasozi seized the early advantage at the Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open on Tuesday, firing a four-under-par 68 to lead the field by one stroke after the opening round at Uganda Golf Club.

The national team player produced a composed display, mixing six birdies with a solid overall round to finish at the top of the leaderboard. His birdies came on the first, fifth, eighth, 10th, 14th and 15th holes, with a late surge giving him the outright lead.

Back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th proved particularly important as Kasozi pulled clear of a congested chasing pack and made the perfect start to the 72-hole championship.

“My strategy for today was to score four under or lower,” Kasozi said after his round. “The strategy will remain the same in round two.”

He will begin the second round with fellow national team player Abdullah Kakooza closest to him after Kakooza returned a three-under 69 while representing Mary Louise Simkins Memorial Golf Club in Namulonge.

National team captain John Musiimenta was another stroke back on two-under 70. The scratch golfer made an impressive start, picking up four birdies in his opening five holes before adding another on the 13th to keep himself firmly within striking distance.

Lawrence Walakira was fourth on one-under 71, while Zambia’s Dominic Musonda led the international contingent with an even-par 72.

Defending champion Joseph Cwinya-ai opened with a one-over 73 to sit tied for sixth with Paul Habyarimana, Juma Abiti, Musamba Kapoma, Derrick Musana and Antony Otukei.

The opening round was briefly interrupted by a heavy downpour, which delayed play by an hour before competitors completed the day’s action.

Kasozi now takes a narrow advantage into day two, but the tightly packed leaderboard leaves the championship wide open with three rounds still to play.

The tournament concludes on Friday after 72 holes and has attracted players from Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Serbia, the United States, Tanzania and Kenya.

This year’s Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open is supported by ABSA, MTN MOMO, Aquafina, Pepsi, Case Clinic, Medisell, Rose Foam, Pearl Marina and NBS Sport.