Kibirige, Rugumayo four-under as Pearl of Africa Golf series starts

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Marvin Kibirige and Ronald Rugumayo took a two-stroke lead as the first edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series got underway at Kitante on Wednesday.

The two golfers carded four-under 68 each to take a joint lead in the 72-hole, sh20m competition that has attracted 37 professional players and 65 top amateurs.

Namulonge’s Kibirige enjoyed a bogey-free round and notched five birdies and an eagle on the par-four hole 8 to set himself on course to winning his first major of the year.

John Musiimenta (right) is congratulated by Paul Habyarimana after they both scored birdie on hole-17 during the first round of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series, February 5, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

“I feel good with what I have got today because I gave it my best. I was cautious and played safe from the tee before I attacked the greens. My putting was good because I managed to score on regulation,” Kibirige said.

“I was mentally focused and executed my routine well, though I missed a few shots, but it can get better and promising. I hope to maintain my scores, and I think a top-three finish will be good enough.

“I didn’t strike the ball very well from the 200-yard range, but I have fixed that on the range and I hope to play better in the second round,” Kibirige stated.

On his part, Rugumayo also enjoyed a flawless bogey-free round and managed four birdies on the par-5 hole 1, and three more on the par-4s; holes 7, 10, and 14.

“It could have been better because I only managed one birdie from one of the five par-5s, which wasn’t a good return because I had so many leap-outs on the par-5s, but it is what it is. I just have to ensure they fall in tomorrow because they are the most rewarding holes.

“But I was patient enough, and I’m really happy with how I managed to stay in the game and the way I managed myself on the course. I struck the ball well, but I didn’t read the greens well. But I would take the four-under for a start on any day,” Rugumayo noted.

The leaders are two strokes ahead of Rodell Gaita and Tom Jjingo, who are tied for third, and three better than Deo Akope, David Kamulindwa, and lady pro Irene Nakalembe, who all played one-under 71.

Phillip Kasozi, Herman Mutebi, and Brian Mwesigwa are chasing four and five strokes, respectively, going into the second round of the Maru Credit-sponsored event.

Marvin Kibirige (right) shares a light moment with Emma Ogwang as they went about their round during the first round of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series championship at Kitante, February 5, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

The gross amateurs’ category competition was led by national team junior player John Musiimenta, who played a bogey-free round littered with seven birdies, amounting to a seven-under 65.

Ronny Okot, who played level-72, is second, while Ibrahim Ssemakula and Joseph Kanolera are tied for third, eight strokes away from the leader.

From Kitante, the event will head to Entebbe in April before the final round of the series at the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club in July. The Pearl of Africa Golf Series is going to be used to champion various other causes, including waste management, environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.

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Top 10

Marvin Kibirige 68

Ronald Rugumayo 68

Rodell Gaita 70

Tom Jjingo 70

Deo Akope 71

David Kamulindwa 71

Irene Nakalembe 71

Phillip Kasozi 72

Herman Mutebi 73

Brian Mwesigwa 73

Top five amateurs

John Musiimenta 65

Ronny Okoti 72

Ibrahim Ssemakula 73

Joseph Kanolera 73

Lawrence Walakira 74