Ugandan pros continue the grind in Rwanda Open

__________________

Ronald Rugumayo produced the best score in the first round among the Ugandan contingent of professionals as the Rwanda Golf Open teed off at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas course on Wednesday.

Fresh from finishing second in the inaugural edition of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series in Kampala, Rugumayo carded level-par 72 to end the day in fifth position out of the 60 professional golfers from different African countries fighting it out for a share of the sh184m kitty.

Rugumaayo, who is part of 11 Uganda professionals fighting it out for the cash including Abraham Ainamani and Rodell Gaita who played one-over 73 in the opening round.

The rest are Ronald Otile, Grace Kasango, Vincent Byamukama, David Kamulindwa, Davis Kato, Canary Kabise, Phillip Kasozi and Henry Lujja.

Fourteen top Ugandan amateurs led by national team captain Joseph Cwinyaai, who opened with a two-over 74, are also in the fray alongside other national team players like Titus Okwong, Joseph Kasozi, Abdu Kakeeto, Peter Tumusiime, Martha Babirye and Peace Kabasweka among others.

Rwandan Celestin Nsanzuwera returned 6-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead ahead of Zimbabwean Promise Sembreiro who carded 67, three strokes ahead of compatriot Visitor Mapwanya.

Kenyan Dismas Indiza who is warming up for the Magical Kenya Open next week alongside seven other Kenyans scored 71 while Greg Snow, Njoroge Kibugu, John Wangai and David Wakhu all returned 73 in the 72-hole competition.

The tournament has attracted golfers from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cote D'Ivoire, Nigeria and Cameroon.