Ronald Otile, one of Uganda’s most naturally gifted golfers, returned to familiar territory at the top of the leaderboard after carding a level-par 71 in the opening round of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.
Despite starting his round with an out-of-bounds tee shot that led to a bogey, Otile showed poise and mental strength to bounce back and finish the day with three birdies and three bogeys. His round was enough to give him the early lead going into Thursday’s second round.
“It’s a tough course, but I tried my best,” Otile said after his round. “On the sixth, I hit the green with my approach, but it landed on the wrong tier and I three-putted. That green is tricky. But tomorrow is another day and we shall give it another go.”
Lugazi Hills proved to be a challenging course for many. The short par-4 opening hole caused trouble, with Tom Jingo carding a quadruple-bogey that derailed his round from the start.
Hot on Otile’s heels is Hussein Bagalana, who shot a one-over 72 despite battling a heavy downpour on the back nine. “I don’t want to use rain as an excuse because in golf, you’re supposed to play the course as it is. But the rain definitely made things tricky,” Bagalana admitted.
Lugazi Hills’ home professional, Canary Kabise, also remains in contention after carding a 73. Four players—Grace Kasango, Irene Nakalembe, Marvin Max Kibirige, and Deco Mutebi—are locked on 74.
Ronald Rugumayo, another top professional, had an uncharacteristic 76, while Philip Kasozi endured a nightmare round of 85, with a disastrous 12 on the par-5 16th punctuating his struggles.
In the ladies’ amateur gross category, Peace Kabasweka leads after an opening round of 79, just one stroke ahead of Martha Babirye.
Juma Abiti produced the round of the day among amateurs—and indeed all players—shooting a brilliant two-under-par 70. He holds the lead in the men’s amateur category. National team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai bounced back from a triple-bogey on the first hole to post a solid 72, thanks to birdies on three of the four par-5 holes.
Also in the mix among the men’s amateurs are Rogers Eyo (74), and the quartet of Michael Tumusiime, Joseph Kanolera, Asuman Tumwesigye, and Ibrahim Ssemakula, all tied on 75.
The Pearl of Africa Golf Series, launched in January 2025, aims to improve the standard of competition among elite amateurs and professionals in Uganda. The Lugazi Hills event is the final leg of this year’s series. Next year, organizers promise to expand it to four tournaments.
The Lugazi event has received sponsorship from Home Bliss, IOTEQ, MTN Uganda, UNOC, UTB, Aquafina, NBS Sport, Mighty Rides, and others.
