By Our Reporter
The Uganda Golf Union, in partnership with Johnnie Walker Uganda, has officially launched the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship, setting the stage for a month of world-class competition and elevated experiences that extend beyond the fairways into culture, fashion, music and contemporary lifestyle.
The tournament was launched with a putting challenge on the 18th hole, where partners took to the green to test their putting skills, with successful putts setting the tone for the championship ahead.
The championship, which has received a Shs 650m sponsorship and execution package from Johnnie Walker, will take place from August 13th to September 5th, 2026, at the Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
The tournament will bring together professional, amateur, senior and female golfers from Uganda, across East Africa, and the continent. The month-long championship will showcase some of the region’s finest golfing talent while celebrating the rich heritage, competitive spirit and continued growth of the sport.
The tournament will tee off with the Johnnie Walker Ladies Open, that will run from August 13th–15th, and will feature a special Johnnie Walker She Walks Experience to celebrate the women in golf. The platform aims to inspire, empower, and spotlight female talent within the sport. The Ladies Open is recognised as a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event and will attract leading female golfers from across the region and the continent.
The championship will continue with the Seniors Open from August 21st – 22nd, followed by the Amateur Open from August 25th–28th, before culminating into the highly anticipated Professionals Open, that will run from September 2nd–5th, bringing together top professional golfers from Uganda, East Africa and beyond, to compete for the coveted 2026 championship title.
Speaking at the launch, Christine Kyokunda, the Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager, said that while competition remains at the heart of the championship, Johnnie Walker will add a new dimension to the off-course programme- through its Afro Exchange Experience, that will be centred around the 19th hole experiences. She noted that the platform will create spaces where golf intersects with Africa’s contemporary expressions of music, fashion and art.
“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. It brings together talent, ambition and connection through a sport that continues to grow across the continent. 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.
The concept reflects Johnnie Walker’s belief that modern luxury is defined not only by the occasions we celebrate, but also by the experiences we share and the connections we create. Through Afro Exchange, the brand will bring together different creative worlds around the Uganda Open, offering a fresh perspective on the tournament beyond the course.
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open also continues to play an important role in the growth of golf in Uganda and the wider region, bringing together professionals, amateurs, seniors, women and emerging talent while providing opportunities to compete, develop and build connections across the region.
To complement Johnnie Walker’s presence at the tournament, Uganda Breweries Limited will also have its premium beer portfolio, including White Cap, Tusker Malt, Tusker Lite, among others, as part of the championship experience.
Speaking at the launch, Edward Kimathi, Commercial Director at Uganda Breweries Limited, said the company’s continued investment in the Uganda Open reflects its commitment to partnerships that create meaningful experiences while contributing to the growth of sport and the wider community.
“At Uganda Breweries, we believe the strongest partnerships are those that create value beyond the sponsorship itself. 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. Through the Shs 650 million sponsorship and execution package, we are proud to support both the championship and the experiences around it, as we continue to invest in platforms that showcase Ugandan excellence and bring people together,” Kimathi said.
Uganda Golf Union (UGU) President, Jackson Were highlighted the significance of the Uganda Open in the development of the sport and Uganda’s growing reputation 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. It provides an important platform for golfers at different stages of their careers to compete, connect and grow. We are proud to welcome players from across East Africa and the continent and look forward to another successful championship that will showcase the quality of golf Uganda has to offer.” He said.
The 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Tournament Director (TD), also the UGU Vice President – Paul Charles Rukundo, stated that they expect full courses on each outing.
“Registration is already open via https://registration.golf-uganda.com/ and we have already received entries from golfers from different countries. 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. 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,” Rukundo said.
Absa Bank, sponsors of the Pro-Am event, held on the eve of the professionals event, are also back as part of the 2026 sponsors. Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank, said that they will continue the tradition of taking winners- both Pros and amateurs, of the Pro-Am event for the Magical 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. Over the past six years, more than 60 Ugandan golfers have benefited from this experience, gaining valuable exposure and insights that support their development. We are proud to continue investing in a platform that gives Ugandan golfers the opportunity to compete at a higher level.” Billy Bisanga said.
As the countdown begins, golf enthusiasts, corporate partners and fans, are invited to experience a championship where tradition meets modern culture, where every swing represents ambition, every round creates connection, and every moment moves the game forward.
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.