By Our Reporter
Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama walked tall at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club as she battled her way through a nail-biting playoff to clinch the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Golf Championship title, on Saturday, August 30.
Nyanchama, playing off handicap 6, edged out Tanzania’s Neema Olomi (handicap 2) on the second playoff hole, after the pair tied on an aggregate of 230. Both ladies went stroke for stroke in the final round, with Olomi edging the front nine, while Nyanchama clawed back on the back nine, setting the contest to pure nerve, under the fading evening light.
The decisive moment came at the par-3 hole 8, where Nyanchama held her composure for a par, while Olomi, the 2018 champion, faltered with a bogey. The result sealed the Kenyan’s first-ever Uganda Open crown in dramatic fashion, breaking into jubilant celebration.
“This means so much to me. I’ve been coming close to a win for years, and I always knew my time would come,” an elated Nyanchama said. “The playoff was intense, but I told myself to stay calm, stay focused, and walk away with the win.”
Uganda’s Martha Babirye, a three-time Ladies Open winner, secured third place with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole, while defending champion Iddy Madina from Tanzania settled for fifth. Home favorite Winnie Musuya finished sixth, after a very inspired run on her home course.
Uganda Golf Union Lady President, Ritah Apel, praised the spirit of the championship, saying; “The Ladies Open is not just a competition; it is a platform that inspires women to claim their space in golf and beyond. I would like to particularly applaud our sisters from Kenya and Tanzania, who have consistently participated in this tournament year after year. Your commitment and support have made the Uganda Ladies Open bigger and more competitive, and we are truly grateful. Seeing Nyanchama triumph, and watching so many women show courage and resilience, tells us that the future of women’s golf in East Africa is incredibly bright.”
Uganda Golf Union President, Dr Jackson Were, built on her remarks, adding: “Ritah has said it all; our regional bond has elevated the Ladies Open to one of the most competitive events on the East African golf calendar. The standard of play this year was exceptional, and it shows how much women’s golf in East Africa is growing. As the Union, we remain committed to creating more opportunities and platforms for golfers across the region to showcase their talent.”
The Chief Guest- Maxi Byenkya, the UGU Lady President emeritus, applauded the Ladies Union for continuing the dream of elevating women’s golf in Uganda and across the region.
“During my time as president, we embarked on training young girls across different clubs. I am happy to see these girls excel in the game. One of those girls is the Lady Captain for our host club, Lugazi. I want to thank Johnnie Walker for walking with the game of golf, but most importantly for ensuring the Ladies are recognised in a special way.”
Tournament Director, Anthony Agaba, applauded the level of competitiveness amongst the ladies; “This playoff was one of the most dramatic finishes we’ve seen at the Ladies Open in years, and it is a testament to the high standards we are now witnessing. From organisation to competition, Lugazi Hills truly delivered a world-class experience. I congratulate Nyanchama and all the ladies who made this tournament such a memorable one.”
But the championship wasn’t just about golf; it was about women walking boldly on and off the course. The night came alive with a She Walks 19th Hole Sip Over, a signature Johnnie Walker experience designed to celebrate resilience, style, and sisterhood in golf and beyond.
The ladies were treated to curated cocktails, a delicious dinner, and a “best dressed” award moment. One of the highlights of the night was the thoughtful moment that saw lady golfers invited to share powerful reflections about their journeys in golf and life, underscoring the bold steps women continue to take in every field.
Josephine Njoroge, the UBL Finance Director, shared her personal golf journey with the audience: “I picked up my first club in 2020, and at the time I was working in Tanzania, so I was trained by my good friend Vicky Elias, she’s here with us, she came all the way to compete in this Open. She taught me that golf is more than a game; it’s about courage, patience, and taking space. Tonight, I honour her and all the women who continue to break barriers by walking tall in every sphere of life.”
Johnnie Walker Brand Manager, Christine Kyokunda, underlined the meaning of the She Walks platform: “There was no better way to close off such an exciting Ladies Open than with a She Walks celebration. This Sip Over is more than just an after-party. It is part of a bigger initiative, one that says women belong at the centre of the story, as changemakers, leaders, and trailblazers. And tonight, as we raise our glasses, let’s remember: every stride matters. Every bold step moves us, and those who come after us, forward.”
The celebration hit a high note with an electric performance from songstress Vinka, who had the golfers and guests on their feet dancing to some of her jams.
As the spotlight now shifts to the Amateur Open, which tees off on Wednesday, September 3, the Ladies Open will be remembered not just for Nyanchama’s thrilling playoff victory, but also for the unique experience and powerful message carried by She Walks.