Many local golf fans were surprised to see that Peace Kabasweka, the defending champion of the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open, was not included in the draw for this year’s event, which teed off today at Entebbe Club.
Kabasweka, who was expected to retain the title given her impressive performances in other tournaments throughout the year, won’t be able to defend it because she chose a family engagement over competing.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to defend my title due to a family engagement. My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the same date, and it’s a milestone I feel I shouldn’t miss,” Kabasweka told the media before the tournament, which is marking its 74th edition this year teed off.
Kabasweka’s closest golfing partner, Sheila Kesiime, withdrew from the tournament despite having registered. She reportedly did so for the same reasons as Kabasweka.
With Kabasweka out of the tournament, three-time winner Martha Babirye, who triumphed in 2019, 2020, and 2022, leads the charge for local players and is one of the top contenders this year. In the opening round today, she finished as runner-up with a score of 4 over par (75), just one shot behind Tanzania’s Hawa Wanyeche, the day-one leader, and one shot ahead of 2018 winner Neema Olomi (Tanzanian), who finished third on Thursday.
Meron Kyomugisha, Harriet Kitaka, Judith Komugisha, and Resty Nalutaaya, who all featured in the top 10 of today’s leaderboard, are also local golfers to watch.
