Tanzanian Pros Make Mixed Start at 2026 Uganda Open
KAMPALA, Wednesday
Tanzania’s five professionals opened their 2026 Uganda Open campaign in Kampala on September 1, with Nuru Mollel leading the contingent after an impressive one-under-par 71.
Mollel produced the best opening-round score among the Tanzanian players, finishing at one under par (71) to share fifth place on a tightly packed leaderboard.
His performance leaves him within striking distance of the early leaders as the 72-hole championship moves into its second round.
Fellow Tanzanian professionals Fadhil Nkya carded 77 (+5) to sit in a tie for 60th, while Abdallah Sanzagala returned 79 (+7) to share 78th place.
Tanzania’s sole female professional, Angel Eaton, finished with 82 (+10) to sit in a tie for 101st, while Frank Mwinuka closed his opening round with 84 (+12), placing him in a tie for 107th.
Despite the mixed fortunes, the Tanzanian professionals will be hoping for stronger performances in the second round as they seek to make the cut.
Speaking to the Royal Golf after the round, Sanzagala admitted that his day started positively but became more difficult on the back nine, with a costly seven on the 15th hole hurting his score.
“The game was going well. The front nine was good, but the back nine was a little difficult. However, hole number 15 is where things went badly for me.
“But after that I continued well. I am preparing myself for tomorrow, and I am confident that I will play much better.”
Mwinuka, meanwhile, was openly critical of his performance, pointing to difficult greens that made putting particularly challenging.
“I played very badly. The greens are very difficult, and there was no water in the greens, so putting was the biggest challenge I faced,” he said.
Among the five Tanzanian professionals, Mollel emerged as the standout performer on day one.
His 71, one under par, placed him alongside several players in the tightly packed top five.
The opening leaderboard was led by host Ronald Rugumayo, who carded 69 (-3), while Cameroon’s Fon Pristhy, Ghana’s Ezekiel Afisco and Uganda’s Rodell Gaita all returned 70 (-2) to share second place.
Mollel’s 71 leaves him just two shots behind the early leader and firmly in contention as the tournament progresses
Over 115 top golfers from across Africa are competing in the Uganda Open Professional Championship, with players from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, Ghana and host Uganda taking part.
The annual championship is being played over 72 holes across four days, with players competing for cash prizes and regional golfing honours.
To follow the live scores of the Uganda Open Golf Championship 2026, please use this link https://www.golfthru18.com/leaderboard/uganda-open-golf-championship-2026