Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda toasts with Ronald Rugumayo at Uganda Golf Club 20th August,2025.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The 84th edition of the Uganda Open Golf Championship is scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 9, 2025
The championship will open with the Seniors competition on August 22–23, followed by the Ladies Open from August 28–30. The Amateur Open will take place from September 3–6, with the Professional Open concluding the event from September 9–13.
Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda with Ronald Rugumayo at Uganda Golf Club 20th August,2025.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
A Celebration Beyond the Greens
The Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open has evolved into a celebration of sport, culture, and premium lifestyle. In addition to elite golfers, the event attracts fans of whisky, entertainment, and curated experiences.
A host of partners are backing the tournament, including Absa Bank Uganda, Aquafina, Isuzu Mac East Africa, Uganda Tourism Board, Medisell Uganda, NBS Sport, and MTN MOMO.
Absa, now in its seventh year supporting the Open, has pledged UGX 300 million. Judith Bulamu, Head of Global Corporates at Absa Uganda, emphasized the bank’s focus on rewarding talent:
Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda with Ronald Rugumayo at Uganda Golf Club 20th August,2025.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
“The top 10 performers in the Pro-Am—five amateurs and five professionals—will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. This is about more than sponsorship; it’s about opportunity.”
Grace Namutebi, Brand Manager at Aquafina, echoed the importance of athlete support:
“We’re proud to be the official hydration partner, keeping every golfer refreshed and ready to perform at their best. See you in Lugazi!”
Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, praised the decision to take golf beyond Kampala:
“Lugazi offers a gateway to Eastern Uganda. We’ve partnered with tourism agencies to provide golfers and fans with curated travel experiences—whether before or after the tournament.”
A Boost for Ugandan Golf
Uganda Golf Union President, Dr. Jackson Were, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with Johnnie Walker and praised the decision to host the event at Lugazi Hills.
“The Uganda Open is our premier golfing event, and Johnnie Walker’s unwavering support has been key to its growth. Bringing the Open to Lugazi Hills offers golfers a new challenge and supports our mission to expand the sport’s reach across the country.”
Preparations are already underway in Lugazi, with the host club working to ensure the course is in world-class condition ahead of the championship.
“This is more than a tournament. It’s a curated experience. From immersive whisky lounges to vibrant entertainment and bold serves in our signature Hospitality Village, we aim to deliver moments that stay with fans long after the final putt.”
Expanded Schedule Across August and September
The 2025 championship will unfold in four main legs:
- Seniors Open: August 22–23
- Ladies Open: August 28–30
- Amateur Open: September 3–6
- Professional Open: September 9–13
This year’s tournament promises a fresh experience with the move to Lugazi Hills, a scenic and challenging course expected to attract top golfing talent from across East, West, and Southern Africa—as well as Europe and beyond.
UBL’s Commitment to Sport and Experience
Speaking at the launch, Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager for Johnnie Walker Uganda, reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to growing the game of golf in Uganda.
“We are proud to continue walking alongside the Uganda Golf Union in elevating the Uganda Golf Open to new heights. The move to Lugazi Hills is a bold step that mirrors the ambition and spirit of the players who take on this course. Golf is about skill, passion, and finesse—qualities that also define Johnnie Walker.”
Andrew Kilonzo, UBL Managing Director, highlighted the broader vision behind the sponsorship—transforming the Uganda Open into a top-tier lifestyle and sporting event.
This month, a significant show of support for Ugandan golf, Johnnie Walker confirmed a UGX 650 million sponsorship and execution package for this year’s tournament—an increase of UGX 100 million from 2024, marking the brand’s largest investment since becoming title sponsor of the Uganda Open.
Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), through its flagship Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker officially launched the 2025 edition of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open Championship, which will be held for the first time at the picturesque Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.