2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateur Open Championship

Leaderboard after 36 holes (2 Rounds):

1 – Gilbert Chalwe (Zambia) – 74, 65 (139)

T2 – Dominic Musonda (Zambia) – 72, 68 (140)

Joseph Kasozi (Uganda) – 68, 72 (140)

4 – John Musiimenta (Uganda) – 70, 72 (142)

5 – Musamba Kapoma (Zambia) – 73, 72 (145)

The sunny weather during round two of the 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateur Open championship in Kampala was met with mixed reactions from players.

Following a rain-laden opener that left the Kitante fairways and greens heavy, the subsequent round was dry, and the balls rolled.

Zambia’s Gilbert Chalwe, a member of Nkana Golf Club, played a bogey-free round with a 7-under-65 gross mark.

He registered 7 birdies and 11 pars during the sunny-day round that had 116 elite gross players in action.

“It was a great round,” Chalwe remarked. “I improved from 7 bogies on day one to 7 birdies during day two. I positioned myself to win the championship come the next two rounds,” the 22-year-old added.

Chalwe takes a slim one-stroke lead over country-mate Dominic Musonda, who was overall runners-up last year in Lugazi.

Day one leader Joseph Kasozi from Uganda played level par (72), and he is jointly tied for second with Musonda.

John Musiimenta (Uganda) is fourth with 142, and another Zambian, Musamba Kapoma (145), is fifth on the leaderboard.

Competitive Field

There is a competitive field following the leading pack with the likes of Peter Mayende, Samuel Bazaale, Joel Okot, Lawrence Walakira, Kenya’s Chrispine Owuor, Cosmos Ocitti, Isiaka Dunia (Tanzania), Reagan Akena, Ashvin Kananathan, Sande Lulet, Yassin Boyi, Ivan Ssekulima, Mackinon Masereka, Juma Abiti and Antony Otukei, all in the top 20 positions.

Defending champion Joseph Cwinya-ai has had a torrid opening round with 1-over-73 during round one and 6-over-78 on day two.

It is moving day on Wednesday, 27th August 2026, as the golfers approach the open for round three.

The post Zambian Chalwe takes charge of 2026 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Amateur Open after second round appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

With schools closed after a demanding three months of learning, Afriyea Golf Academy is giving children in Fort Portal city the chance to relax, exercise, learn and develop their golfing talents with the innovative GolfSixes format, adding a competitive edge to the holiday programme.

For many children, the school holiday is a time to put away the books, step away from the classroom and recharge after months of lessons, assignments and examinations.

In Fort Portal City, however, the break is also providing an opportunity to learn something new.

Afriyea Golf Academy has launched its Second Term School Holiday Golf Programme, designed to give children a healthy, engaging and exciting way to spend their holiday while introducing them to or helping them improve in the game of golf.

The programme began on 17 August and will run until 11 September, with sessions taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 12 pm at Toro Club in Fort Portal.

The academy says the programme has been created for children of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners picking up a golf club for the first time to young players looking to improve their technique and take their game further.

But there is something particularly special about this year’s holiday programme.

GolfSixes brings a new dimension

Children taking part are not simply receiving traditional golf coaching. AFRIYEA Golf Academy has incorporated the GolfSixes format into the programme, allowing youngsters to experience golf in a way that places a strong emphasis on inclusion, participation and competition.

GolfSixes is a junior-friendly format designed to make golf more accessible, engaging and enjoyable for young players.

Rather than focusing solely on individual performance, the format encourages children to participate, compete and experience the excitement of playing the game in a more dynamic environment.

For Afriyea Golf Academy, incorporating the format means children can develop their technical skills while also learning how to compete, work with others and enjoy the social side of golf.

It allows youngsters to put what they learn during coaching into practice in an environment where everyone gets a chance to participate.

The academy is grateful for the support and contribution of the Uganda Golf Union, The R&A, CPG and GolfSixes in helping create opportunities for children to experience this exciting approach to junior golf.

A break from the classroom and a chance to reset

After three months of continuous teaching and learning, Afriyea Golf Academy believes children need time away from the demands of the classroom to relax their minds and enjoy activities that stimulate them physically and mentally.

The academy believes that a tight school curriculum can place significant pressure on children, making school holidays an important period for them to unwind, reconnect with themselves and participate in activities outside the traditional classroom environment.

And sport can play an important role in that process.

Golf combines physical movement with concentration, patience, coordination and decision-making.

Being outdoors, exercising and interacting with other children provides a welcome change of environment while keeping young minds active.

Rather than spending the entire holiday indoors, children at the programme are being encouraged to get outside, move their bodies, learn new skills and enjoy the social side of sport.

Golf as therapy

For AFRIYEA Golf Academy, the programme is about much more than teaching children how to swing a club.

The academy sees sport as therapeutic and believes that giving children an opportunity to exercise and enjoy the open environment can contribute positively to their overall wellbeing.

Golf requires players to concentrate on each shot, control their emotions, assess situations and remain patient. Those lessons can extend beyond the golf course and into everyday life.

The programme therefore combines golf instruction with physical activity, allowing children to develop both their sporting abilities.

Coach George Kituku says the academy wants children to see golf as an enjoyable activity while also understanding the discipline, confidence and personal development that come with the sport.

“Our goal is not only to teach children how to play golf, but to give them a space where they can relax, exercise, make friends and discover what they are capable of. The holiday is an opportunity for children to step away from academic pressure and enjoy learning through sport,” said Kituku

Kituku adds that the introduction of GolfSixes makes the programme even more exciting for the young participants.

“With GolfSixes, the children are not just coming to practise and go home. They are learning to participate, compete and enjoy the game together. It gives every child an opportunity to be involved, regardless of their level, and that is very important for developing the next generation of golfers,” Kituku remarks.

From the first swing to competition

The programme caters for different levels of experience.

For beginners, the focus is on introducing the fundamentals of golf, learning how to hold the club, understanding the basic swing, developing coordination and becoming comfortable around the course.

For children who already play, the holiday programme provides an opportunity to work on technique, consistency and confidence.

Then comes the chance to compete.

Through GolfSixes, children can take the skills they have learned during training and experience the excitement of putting them into practice in a competitive but inclusive format.

That combination of learning, playing and competing can help children understand that golf is not simply about hitting the perfect shot. It is also about having fun, supporting teammates, managing pressure and learning as a team.

A young golfer discovers a passion

“I used to think golf was only for adults, but when I started playing I realised that it is fun and challenging. I like being outside with other children, and every time I practise I feel that I am getting better. I also like playing with other children because we can compete and encourage each other. I want to continue learning and become a very good golfer,” Agaba Peter Trevor -golf student.

His experience reflects the wider ambition of the programme to make golf feel accessible to children and show them that the sport can be both enjoyable and competitive.

Fort Portal’s next generation takes to the fairways

Fort Portal has no shortage of young sporting talent, and initiatives such as the Afriyea Golf Academy holiday programme are creating opportunities for children to discover sports they may otherwise never have experienced.

The academy hopes the programme will help widen participation in golf and encourage more young people to consider the sport as a pathway for recreation, personal development and, potentially, competitive achievement.

The beauty of the programme is that children do not need to arrive as accomplished golfers.

They simply need the willingness to learn.

For a beginner, the first successful swing can be a major achievement. For an experienced junior golfer, improving a particular aspect of their technique or performing well in a GolfSixes competition can provide a different kind of satisfaction.

Either way, the objective remains the same:

Learn. Play. Compete. Enjoy.

A different kind of classroom

With the school gates temporarily closed, Toro Club has become a different kind of classroom for the children taking part.

The post Afriyea Golf Academy tees off new holiday opportunity for Fort Portal young golfers appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

The Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship returns this Friday, August 21, with the Seniors Open at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club – Kitante, where some of the most experienced golfers will compete over 36 holes.

The event follows the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open at the same venue, won by Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche.

For many, the Seniors Open is another chance to compete for honours in a championship they have featured in over the years.

Among the leading names in the men’s field is defending champion David Plenderleith, who will tee off at 10:10 am alongside William Mutyaba and Shashi Mwinyi.

Plenderleith won last year’s championship at Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club after posting rounds of 83 and 84 for a gross total of 167, finishing three strokes ahead of Kenya’s John Muchiri, a former winner himself.

This year, he returns with plenty of competitive golf behind him, having played regularly in club rounds and tournaments, particularly at his home club, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo.

Muchiri, who won the championship in 2021 and 2022, returns this year hoping to reclaim the title, while 2024 champion Stephen Katwiremu, Onyango Matata and Chris Mutegyeki are also expected to challenge for the men’s crown.

They are regular competitors in previous Opens and have featured on the podium in several events this year.

The women’s competition will be led by defending champion Catherine Pavie of Jinja Club. Pavie won last year’s female cluster with a gross score of 192, beating Katy Kabenge by two strokes.

Pavie will tee off at 9:30 am alongside Eldad Mwangusya and Michael Cleave, while Kabenge will be among the golfers looking to challenge for the title.

Edrae Kagombe, Jeninah Nasimolo and Grace Obua are also expected to be in contention.

For the golfers taking part, the Seniors Open is another opportunity to compete, but it also reflects the longevity of their involvement in the sport.

Johnnie Walker East Africa Brand Manager Christine Kyokunda said the seniors’ continued participation is a fitting reflection of the brand’s “Keep Walking” philosophy.

“The seniors opened the way for us. Seeing them continue to walk the greens after so many years of playing the game is inspiring. They have given so much to golf, and their continued passion shows that the journey does not stop. It is about keeping going, challenging yourself and inspiring the next generation,” Kyokunda said.

The event will conclude with an Afro-themed 19th Hole experience on Saturday, featuring live entertainment from songstress Winnie Nwagi and other acts.

Full Draw:

The post Johnnie Walker Uganda Open Golf Championship 2026 resumes with Seniors Open appeared first on Kawowo Sports.