Rwandan professional golfer Celestine Nsanzuwera etched his name into Ugandan golf history on Sunday after triumphing at the 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Professional Golf Open held at the scenic par-71 Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club.
The Kigali Golf Resort & Villas star produced a stunning display of consistency, carding 73, 69, 65, and 71 across four rounds. His calm, focused performance yielded a 6-under-par 278, sealed by 19 birdies, 41 pars, 10 bogeys, and a single double bogey.
The victory adds to a remarkable run of form for Nsanzuwera, who recently won the East Africa Swing Championship in Kigali and the Sunshine Development Tour in Nairobi. The Lugazi triumph marks his third major title in less than a month.
“I am so excited. I needed this victory,” an emotional Nsanzuwera said after being crowned champion. “It was a very competitive tournament, and I give credit to the rest of the players who pushed me throughout.”
Prize Money and Top Finishers
Nsanzuwera claimed the lion’s share of UGX 31.5 million from the UGX 150 million professional prize kitty. Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu finished second at 3-under-par 281, while Cameroon’s Pristhy Fon Nji took third at 282. Uganda’s Marvin Kibirige, alongside Zimbabwe’s Robson Chinhoi, tied for fourth with 283.
Fresh off his Johnnie Walker Uganda Amateur Open victory, Uganda’s Joseph Cwinya-ai again stood out as the best amateur of the tournament. Other notable finishes included Kenya’s Greg Snow and Uganda’s David Kamulindwa in joint 7th (288), Zimbabwe’s Visitor Mapwanya in 9th (289), and Kenya’s golfing legend Dismas Indiza, who rounded out the top 10 (290).
Uganda Golf Union President Applauds Success
Speaking after the prize-giving ceremony, the Uganda Golf Union President lauded the sponsors, organisers, and players who travelled from across Africa and beyond to make the 2025 edition a resounding success.
“This year’s Uganda Open has been nothing short of spectacular. We are proud to have hosted such an elite field of professionals from across Africa, and even more proud that the championship ended on such a thrilling note. Celestine’s victory is a testament to the competitive spirit that the Open inspires. I would like to thank all our partners, particularly Johnnie Walker, whose unwavering support continues to elevate the stature of the Uganda Open as one of the continent’s premier golf championships,” he said.
A Tournament Beyond Golf
Outgoing Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo reflected on the three-year journey of Johnnie Walker’s investment in Ugandan golf.
Breaking Barriers: Charles Mudiwa on Intergenerational Leadership at Makerere “Over the past three years, Johnnie Walker has cemented its place in Ugandan golf, creating experiences that are world-class and impactful. From sustainability efforts to celebrating women golfers through She Walks, this Open has been much more than the game; it has been about progress. As I hand over to Felicité, I am proud of what we have built together and confident that the Johnnie Walker Uganda Open will reach even greater heights,” Kilonzo said.
The Professional Open concluded a thrilling series that also featured the seniors, ladies, and amateurs’ championships, attracting elite players from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Flavorful Johnnie Walker Experience
The grand finale was capped with the Flavorful Johnnie Walker Experience, recognising both professionals and subsidiary players. Among the highlights, Josephine Njoroge, Finance Director at Uganda Breweries, secured runner-up in the ladies’ subsidiary category.
Guest of Honour and UBL Board Chairman Jimmy Mugerwa applauded the players and surprised the crowd by inviting the caddies on stage for a message of gratitude, recognising their tireless contribution to the sport. He further called on the Ugandan government to support the development of golf.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just a champion, but the spirit of golf itself. A game that teaches patience, resilience, and unity. I congratulate Celestine on a well-deserved victory, and salute all the players who made this Open unforgettable,” Mugerwa said.
He also introduced Ms. Felicité Nson, the new Managing Director of Uganda Breweries, marking a new chapter in UBL’s partnership with golf.
“On behalf of UBL, I also want to thank Andrew Kilonzo for his visionary leadership and welcome Felicité Nson as she takes the mantle. Finally, I urge all stakeholders, including the government and the private sector, to invest in the future of golf, so that Uganda can continue shaping the game on the continental stage. The Kenya Magical Open is the biggest tourism attractor in Kenya, because both the government and the private sector have heavily invested in it,” he added.
A Night to Remember
The celebrations ended in true Johnnie Walker style—with an electric atmosphere, a full showcase of Johnnie Walker’s premium catalogue from Black to Blue Label, and a live performance by Azawi that had guests on their feet.
The 2025 Johnnie Walker Uganda Golf Open will be remembered not only for Nsanzuwera’s spectacular victory but also for the rich cultural, sporting, and social experience it delivered.
