Mollel Keeps Tanzania’s Uganda Open Hopes Alive as Nigerians Impress

KAMPALA, Thursday 

Nuru Mollel kept Tanzania’s Uganda Professional Golf Open title hopes alive, while Nigeria’s emerging professionals stole the spotlight at the halfway stage of the 2026 championship.

Mollel, of Arusha Gymkhana Club, carded consecutive rounds of 71 to finish on two-under-par 142, placing him joint sixth, just three shots off the lead.

“The course is difficult and has presented numerous challenges. The setup is different from what we are used to in Tanzania, while the greens are drying out quickly because of the clay soil,” Mollel said.

Despite the demanding conditions, Mollel said he remained determined to keep fighting for a strong finish and fly the Tanzanian flag high.

His performance leaves him as the only Tanzanian professional to make the cut, with the top 30 and ties advancing after the cut fell at five-over-par. He will now head into the final two rounds with a realistic chance of challenging for the title.

Fadhyl Nkya struggled in the second round, carding an 80 after opening with a 77 to finish on 13-over-par 157. He was tied 82nd at the halfway stage.

“I was not at my best, but the course conditions have also been a major challenge, especially the greens.

“They are very hard, making it difficult to get the ball to hold and control approach shots properly. However, I do not want to use that as an excuse. I know I can play much better," said Nkya said, vowing to learn from his mistakes.

Abdallah Sanzagala improved significantly in the second round, shooting a one-over-par 73 after opening with a 79. His eight-over-par total of 152 left him tied 54th.

Frank Mwinuka also responded strongly, improving from an opening 84 to a 74 in the second round. However, his 14-over-par total of 158 left him tied 88th.

Angel Eaton, Tanzania’s sole female professional competing in the predominantly male field, carded rounds of 82 and 83 for a 21-over-par total of 165, leaving her tied 105th.

Eaton stressed: "Honestly, I’ve really struggled with my game on the greens. The greens have been very challenging, and even when I reach the green in two, I sometimes struggle with putting and end up taking three or even four putts.

"But I thank God for everything. We are gaining a lot of valuable experience from playing alongside these male professionals and competing on courses that are very different from the ones we are used to back home. It’s a great learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity."

Eaton, however, joined fellow female professionals Eva Magala, Irene Nakalembe, Flavia Namakula, and Nigeria’s Cynthia Maurice in the tournament.

Nigeria, meanwhile, made a strong impact at the top of the leaderboard.

Sunday Olapade shared the lead at five-under-par after a stunning second-round 67, while Godwin Okoko climbed into the top 10 with a four-under-par 68.

At the halfway stage, Olapade and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo shared the lead at five-under-par, one shot ahead of Phillip Kasozi.

Kenya’s Dismas Indiza and Uganda’s Samuel Kato were tied fourth on three-under-par, with Mollel joint sixth on two-under-par.

More than 115 professionals from across Africa are competing over 72 holes, with Tanzania’s hopes of challenging for the title now resting solely on Mollel.

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