Amidst his demanding busy schedule, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa was part of the field at the 2024 Pro-Am tournament in Entebbe.
A total of 57 teams (sponsors and partners) were engaged in this day-long championship where amateurs played alongside the professionals during the Absa bank sponsored event.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa with a powerful swing
A female golfer putts
Absa staff ready to swing off
Absa Bank MD Mumba Kalifungwa (extreme right) with the other members of the team before tee off on the first Tee
The top three professional winners from the tournament received a total of UGX8 million in cash prizes.
Johnnie Walker Three team was the overall winning team with a total of 109 points to triumph on countback.
The winning professional on Johnnie Walker Three team was Rwanda’s Celestine Nsanzuwera who earned Ug.Shs 3,500,000 for the hard earned sweat.
MIlton Ocen, Dennis Muzune and Oscar Ssemwera Musoke were the amateurs on the winning team.
Some of the winners hold their trophies during the 2024 Absa sponsored Pro-Am
Johnnie walker team one was first runners up with the professional as Vincent Byamukama to take Ug.Shs 2,500,000.
The others were; Peace Hellen, Alexander Matisko and Entebbe Club lady’s captain Jovia Tugume.
Case Medicare Services one team were third with 108 points on countback.
Zimbabwean Nyasa Muyambo was the professional attached. The amateurs on the team included Henry Ssali, Adoch Lumu and Paul Habyarimana.
Uganda Golf Union president Dr Jackson Were and Mumba Kalifungwa
Mumba Kalifungwa in action
Jacob Byamukama (extreme left) with the other members
An amateur golfer swings off
Ten Golfers for 2025 Magical Kenya Open:
The top ten golfers from the 2024 Absa Pro-Am Tournament of the Uganda Golf Open won the opportunity to play in the Pro Am of the 2025 Magical Kenya Open courtesy of Absa Bank Uganda.
Five slots will be for the professionals and another five for the amateurs.
However, the selected professionals will need to still qualify as per the Magical Kenya Open selection criteria.
The professionals were Silver Opio (37), Kibugu Njoroge (38 points), Ronald Rugumayo (38 points), Greg Snow (42 points) and Celestine Nsanzuwera (43 points).
Kenya professional golfer Greg Snow in action
The amateurs’ pool has Ernest Wasake (38 points), Peter Kisembo (38 points), Henry Herbert Ssali (39 points), Joshua Odongo (39 points), Anthony Agaba (40 points), Apollo Segawa (40 points), Chris Magezi (40 points), Peace Hellen (41 points), Ronald Pulle (41 points) and Philemon Akatuhurira (42 points).
Any of the slots allocated to professionals that are not utilised will be given to the next best amateur golfers.
Michael Segwaya, the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Absa Bank Uganda congratulated the different top performers, and he re-echoed the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth of golf.
We are driven by the desire to be a force for good in the community and this support will provide our Ugandan players the opportunity to enhance their skill and gain international exposure by participating in the prestigious Magical Kenya Open. This opportunity has over the years contributing to elevating our golf players and unlocking opportunities for growth. Our efforts have paid off over the years reflected by wins like Ronald Rugumayo making history to become the first Ugandan player to make the cut for the DP World Tour owing to Absa’s support.
Michael Segwaya, the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Absa Bank Uganda
A golfer at Entebbe Club
Pro Am 2024 at Entebbe Club
The Magical Kenya Open – which started in 1967 – has grown to become one of Africa’s premier golf attractions and is now part of the European Golf Tour.
The Absa Pro-Am Tournament is a one-day tournament where Professional golfers are paired with Amateur golfers to give the professionals an extra practice round before the Professionals Open while improving the skills of amateur golfers within a competition situation.
Over the years, Absa has sponsored various tournaments such as the Captain’s Bell, and supported amateur players to participate in the Magical Kenya Open which has helped to expand their perspective on the game and improve their skills.
“At Absa Bank Uganda, we believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire individuals. By investing in events like this, we aim to encourage the spirit of healthy competition and provide a platform for local talent to thrive, one of the many ways we believe we can deliver on our purpose to empower Africa’s tomorrow and empower Uganda,” said Segwaya.
The Uganda Golf Open, one of the country’s most anticipated golf tournaments, is renowned for its rich tradition and high-level competition.
The sponsor’s support is intended to elevate the tournament’s standards, attract more top-tier players, and provide an enhanced experience for both participants and spectators.
Day one of the 19th Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Open witnessed Zambia’s Dayne Moore take the lead with 7-under 65 score during round one.
Zambia’s Moore Dayne in action
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