With the second leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series at the par-71 Entebbe Golf Club, home advantage was expected.
Herman ‘Deco’ Mutebi and David Kamulindwa delivered, each shooting an impressive three-under 68 to lead after day one.
Despite early struggles, both Mutebi and Kamulindwa recovered strongly. After two bogeys in their first four holes, they finished as joint leaders.
Mutebi carded five birdies, including one on the challenging par-4 17th. Kamulindwa also had five birdies, four on the back nine.
Rodell Gaita Tadeo followed closely with a 69, while Abraham Ainamani and Davis Kato both shot 70. Ronald Otile, who started with an eagle on No. 1, is also at 70.
Playing conditions at Entebbe Golf Course were good, with clear skies and golfers pray for the same of Thursday, the cut day which puts a lot of pressure on many golfers to improve their scores.
James Koto (75), Richard Baguma (75), Vincent Araali Byamukama (76), and Mawa Saidi (76) are among those on the borderline.
The professionals are competing for a Shs20m prize. Marvin Max Kibirgie, winner of the first leg in February, is currently competing in Kenya on the Sunshine Development Tour.
The third leg of the Pearl of Africa Golf Series will be held at Lugazi Hills Golf & Country Club in July.
In the gross amateur category, Elton Thembo, Samuel Bazaale, and Shashank S. Gadre are tied for the lead at 70 (one-under). Michael Tumusiime, Morris Ashaba, and Joseph Kasozi are one stroke behind at 71.
Unlike the professionals, there is no cut for amateurs, who will compete over three days.
National team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, a pre-tournament favourite, had a difficult day, including a quadruple-bogey on the par-4 no.9, finishing with a 78. He trails the leaders by eight shots.
Uganda Open champion Joseph Reagan Akena shot a 73, tying for seventh with national team golfer Titus Okwong, Andrew Ssekibejja, and Peter Tumusiime.
