After 12 years of waiting, Uganda finally has a new champion of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open.
Ronald Rwabogo Rugumayo delivered a putting masterclass at Uganda Golf Club on Saturday, September 5, carding a commanding -9 to claim the coveted Professionals Open title and become the first Ugandan in 12 years to lift the championship trophy.
It was more than a victory. It was a moment that carried the weight of a 12-year wait, the pride of a nation and the emotions of a kingdom still mourning the passing of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
For Rugumayo, who hails from Tooro, the victory belonged to more than just him.
Speaking after the final round, an emotional Rugumayo dedicated his historic win to the late King Oyo and the people of Tooro, who have been navigating a difficult period following his sudden passing.
“I don’t have much to say because today’s win is not my win alone. First of all, I dedicate this win to our late King Oyo and all the people from Tooro who are going through this painful moment mourning our King,” said Rugumayo.
He also dedicated the victory to Ugandans and the wider golfing community that had waited patiently for a homegrown champion.
“As you all know, it has been 12 years down the road since a Ugandan won the Uganda Open, so this win is dedicated to all Ugandans and everyone that supports the game that we all love.”
Rugumayo also used the moment to acknowledge the international golfers who travelled to Uganda to compete, urging Ugandan professionals to reciprocate the support by attending tournaments across the continent.
His triumph was the culmination of a remarkable run of form. The Uganda Open was his fourth tournament in a month, following a second-place finish at -10, a tournament victory at -10 and a Pro-Am victory at -5.
He credited his team, coach Rob, Phil, manager Peter and friend Ali — for helping him maintain the form that ultimately carried him to the biggest victory of his career.
“I would not have managed to do this without my team behind me,” he said, before wishing the visiting professionals safe journeys home.
A CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE FIT FOR THE MOMENT
If the 12-year wait was finally over, Johnnie Walker ensured the celebration matched the significance of the occasion.
The tournament’s closing 19th Hole experience brought the brand’s Afro Exchange platform to life, transforming the finale from a traditional golf celebration into an immersive celebration of African culture, bringing together music, food, fashion, art and premium experiences.
With a “Tale of Two Cities” concept connecting Kampala and Lagos, the experience offered a fitting cultural backdrop to a championship in which Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko emerged as Rugumayo’s closest challenger.
Guests were treated to an extensive Johnnie Walker portfolio, bespoke cocktails, curated food, personalised gifts and an atmosphere that carried the celebration well beyond the golf course.
For Christine Kyokunda, Johnnie Walker Uganda Brand Manager, the finale represented exactly what the brand set out to achieve through Afro Exchange, using the power of culture to create experiences that bring people together.
“This was a very special Uganda Open because we were not simply celebrating a champion; we were celebrating a moment that Ugandans had waited 12 years to experience. Ronald’s victory gave us a reason to celebrate, and Afro Exchange gave us the platform to make that celebration truly unforgettable. Johnnie Walker is about progress, about the journey and about celebrating every step along the way. Tonight, we saw that spirit come alive, on the course, in the 19th hole and on the dance floor.”
The night reached another high when newly unveiled Johnnie Walker National Walker Joshua Baraka took to the stage.
Baraka electrified the crowd with performances of some of his biggest songs, including Dalila, Nana, This Time and Wrong Places, as well as his latest release Yoyo.
But the defining moment came when he performed his unreleased “I Keep On Walking” song, the track he sampled during his unveiling as the face of Johnnie Walker’s Keep Walking campaign in Uganda.
The song, which speaks directly to the spirit of persistence and moving forward, proved an unexpectedly perfect soundtrack to Rugumayo’s historic achievement and Uganda’s long-awaited return to the top of its own Open.
The celebrations continued into the early hours, with DJ Vans taking over the after-party as golfers and guests danced into the night.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE UGANDA OPEN
The closing ceremony also looked ahead to the next chapter of the championship.
Jimmy D. Mugerwa, Chairman of the Uganda Breweries Limited Board and Chief Guest at the closing ceremony, celebrated the significance of Rugumayo’s victory while accepting the responsibility of hosting the next edition of the championship.
The 2027 Uganda Open will be hosted at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, where Mugerwa serves as Captain of the golf club.
“Tonight we celebrate Ronald Rugumayo, but we are also celebrating what the Uganda Open represents for our country, excellence, competition, opportunity and the ability to bring Africa together. It is a privilege to close this chapter and, at the same time, look forward to the next one. Lake Victoria Serena will have big shoes to fill, but we are ready to welcome the Uganda Open in 2027 and build on what has been achieved here at Uganda Golf Club.”
GOLF’S GROWING HORIZONS
Uganda Golf Union President Jackson Were described Rugumayo’s victory as a proud moment for Uganda and an important milestone for the growth of the sport.
“For a Ugandan to win the Uganda Open after 12 years is a very proud moment for the country and for everyone involved in golf. It shows what is possible when we deliberately invest in the development of the sport.”
Were highlighted the Union’s efforts to make golf more accessible, including programmes aimed at introducing the sport to universities and developing the next generation of players through junior golf.
“Our work is deliberate and intentional. We want golf to become more accessible, particularly to young people, and that is why we continue to invest in junior programmes and take the game into institutions such as universities. We have to nurture the next generation because the future of Ugandan golf depends on them.”
He also pointed to the growing international significance of the Uganda Open, noting that the tournament is part of the Sunshine Tour and that the top two finishers will earn qualification opportunities for the Magical Kenya Open early next year.
“The tournament is growing in stature. With the Sunshine Tour connection and the opportunities that come with it, Uganda is positioning itself firmly on the international golf calendar. Very soon, we expect this to become an official World Golf Ranking event, which will be another major milestone for the sport.”
THE WAIT IS OVER
For 12 years, Ugandan golfers had watched visitors lift the Uganda Open trophy.
On Saturday night, that wait finally ended.
Rugumayo stood atop the podium, representing Tooro, Uganda and every golfer who had continued to believe that the trophy could come home again.
And when the final putt was sunk, the music began.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open ended not simply with the crowning of a champion, but with a celebration of progress, culture and the journeys that make victory meaningful.
After 12 years, Uganda had its champion.
And there was no better way to celebrate than to Keep Walking.
