By Our Reporter
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf 2026 Championship has teed off today with the Ladies Open at the Uganda Golf Club, setting the stage for three days of competitive golfing action.
The three-ball tournament is expected to attract more than 100 lady golfers, who will compete in the Silver and Bronze categories.
The Ladies Open has developed a rich tradition of attracting elite regional players, with recent champions reflecting the growing competitiveness of women’s golf in East Africa. Kenya’s Mercy Nyachama won the 2025 edition, Tanzania’s Iddy Madina claimed the 2024 title, while Uganda’s Peace Kabasweka emerged victorious in 2023.
This year, Uganda’s challenge will be led by former champions Kabasweka and Martha Babirye, alongside national team players Judith Komugisha and Meron Kyomugisha.
Kabasweka enters the tournament in strong form and plenty of confidence, after securing a third-place finish at the Zambia Ladies Open, at Lusaka Golf Club a few weeks ago.
The national team star has enjoyed an impressive season on the local circuit, winning the Namlunoge Ladies Open and the President’s Cup at Entebbe Club. She also finished third at both the Kilembe Ladies Open and the Entebbe Ladies Open.
Babirye will also be among the players to watch. The three-time winner who won the 2020 Open title at Uganda Golf Club, recently won the Ugandan leg of the NCBA Golf Series at the same venue. She has gained valuable experience from competing in tournaments beyond Uganda.
Komugisha, meanwhile, arrives as another strong contender, following her victory at the Kilembe Ladies Open. Known for her power off the tee, the long-hitting golfer has continued to make her presence felt on the local circuit.
Kyomugisha also claimed the ladies’ title at the Absa Chairman’s Bell, in June, at the Uganda Golf Club, a result that further strengthens her credentials going into the Open.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian players are expected to provide a particularly strong foreign challenge, with a sizeable contingent set to compete for the coveted title.
Some of the expected names include 2018 champion- Neema Olomi, who finished runner-up last year. The Arusha Gymkhana star has enjoyed a series of impressive performances across the region this season, including strong displays at the Entebbe Ladies Open and the Kenya Amateur Ladies Strokeplay Championship, where she secured podium finishes.
Olomi will be joined by fellow Tanzanians, including scratch golfer Hawa Wanyeche, Vicky Elias, Yasmin Chali, Ayne Magombe and Timea Chogo, all of whom will be hoping to make a strong impression.
Ghana’s Hawah Brito Musah, Nigeria’s Ehinomhen Juliana Igbinadolor and Rwanda’s Slyvie Irakoze, are also part of the travelling field, adding further continental flavour to the event.
With golfers from several African countries converging at the Uganda Golf Club, Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager- Christine Kyokunda says the Ladies Open remains an important platform for showcasing and growing women’s golf.
“Starting the championship with the Ladies Open is significant because it puts women’s golf at the forefront right from the very beginning. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the talent, determination and ambition of these golfers while inspiring more women and girls to take up the sport and believe that they too can compete at the highest level,” Kyokunda said.
As part of the Ladies Open experience, Johnnie Walker will also bring its She Walks platform to the tournament’s final day, with a specially curated She Walks-themed 19th Hole experience for the participating ladies. The experience will create a space to celebrate the women beyond their performance on the course, spotlighting exceptional women whose journeys, achievements and ambitions continue to inspire others.
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.