Ronald Rugumayo is primed for an electrifying face-off with close friend and formidable rival Ronald Otile after seizing the lead on day two of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.
The South Africa-based professional carded a one-under-par 70 on Thursday, enough to edge into the top spot on the leaderboard ahead of day three. Despite a steady round, Rugumayo admitted he wasn’t at his sharpest, but welcomed the prospect of going head-to-head with Otile, calling him “one of the most talented golfers this country has ever produced.”
“I’m so happy that I will be challenging him in the same group tomorrow,” said Rugumayo. “He is a brilliant golfer with excellent skill and a very wonderful fighting mentality on the course.”
Rugumayo’s round began and ended with birdies, showcasing flashes of brilliance despite some challenging moments. “I had 150 yards into the green on number two but the lie was quite terrible,” he explained. “Hole 16 has also been tough for me—going out of bounds yesterday and into the hazard again today.”
Nevertheless, Rugumayo remains confident heading into the final two rounds. “I feel that tomorrow and Saturday will be days of good fortune,” he added.
The leaderboard remains tight, with Otile, Grace Kasango, and Marvin Max Kibirige all just one stroke behind. Club professional Canary Kabise and Rodell Gaita Taddeo trail Rugumayo by two strokes, with Taddeo recovering impressively from a double-bogey on the third hole to finish with a level-par 71.
In the amateur division, Joseph Kasozi leads by a single stroke over Juma Abiti, Asuman Tumwesigye, and Joel Okoth. Among the ladies, Meron Kyomugisha and Martha Babirye are tied at the top after Peace Kabasweka’s withdrawal.
The POA Lugazi leg—played under ideal weather conditions—is the final stop in this year’s Pearl of Africa Golf Series. Launched in January, the series has aimed to elevate competition among Uganda’s elite amateurs and professionals while promoting grassroots development under the guidance of the Uganda Golf Union.
Supported by sponsors including Home Bliss, IOTEQ, MTN Uganda, UNOC, UTB, Aquafina, NBS Sport, and Mighty Rides, the tournament continues to build momentum ahead of its expanded 2026 calendar, which will feature four events.
