Ronald Otile showed composure and class on Wednesday to grab the early lead at the Pearl of Africa Golf Series finale at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club.
After sending his opening tee shot out-of-bounds on the par-4, Otile recovered for bogey and went on to post an even-par 71.
His round featured three birdies and three bogeys, putting him one shot ahead of the field.
“It’s a tough course, but I tried my best,” Otile said.
“Tomorrow is another day, and we’ll give it another go.” He pointed out the sixth hole’s large tiered green as especially difficult, where a three-putt cost him a shot.
Just one shot back is Hussein Bagalana, who carded a one-over 72 in challenging conditions after a heavy downpour soaked the back nine.
“I don’t want to use the rain as an excuse, but it definitely made things harder,” he admitted.
Lugazi Hills local pro Canary Kabise is one stroke behind Bagalana after a 73. A group of players including Grace Kasango, Irene Nakalembe, Marvin Max Kibirige, and Deco Mutebi followed with 74s.
Some of the tournament’s top names struggled. Ronald Rugumayo shot a five-over 76, while Philip Kasozi’s round unraveled with a 12 on the par-5 16th, finishing at 85.
In the amateur category, Juma Abiti delivered the best round of the day, a two-under 70, the only score under par. National team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai followed closely with a 72, having rebounded from a triple-bogey on the first hole.
On the women’s amateur side, Peace Kabasweka leads with a 79, one shot ahead of Martha Babirye.
The Lugazi event is the final stop of the inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf Series, launched earlier this year to elevate the level of competitive golf in Uganda.
