113 players will battle it out over four rounds in Rwanda, blending seasoned international professionals with East Africa’s rising stars.
Edwin Kiplagat, Marabou News Agency
The 2026 Rwanda Open has kicked off at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, marking its debut as an official Sunshine Tour event, featuring 25 regional players from the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing, competing against an international field.
Kenya will be represented by a tournament-high 11 players. The squad, battling for the top prize in Kigali, features recognizable names, including, Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, Adel Balala, Sammy Mulama, Daniel Nduva, Mutahi Kibugu, Taimur Malik, David Wakhu, Justus Madoya, and Nelson Mudanyi.
Uganda fields a nine-man team led by Ronald Rugumayo, fresh off his maiden Sunshine Development Tour victory at the Pearl of Africa Golf Series.
Joining him on the Ugandan roster are Kasango Grace, Ronald Otile, Phillip Kasozi, Hussein Bagalana, Abraham Ainamani, David Kamulindwa, Rodell Gaita, and Willy Deus Kitata.
Celestine Nsanzuwera and Aloys Nsabimana will represent host nation Rwanda, while Malawi’s Paul Chidale, Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko, and Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel complete the development contingent.
In total, 113 players will battle it out over four rounds at the Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, blending seasoned international professionals with East Africa’s rising stars.
Launched in 2025, the Sunshine Development Tour held its inaugural event in Kenya, where local star Njoroge Kibugu claimed the title.
The Tour offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, providing players a direct pathway to Olympic qualification and top tier international events.
Marabou News Agency
