Uganda’s leading golfer Ronald Rugumayo says he is ready to take on bigger challenges after receiving a Shs100 million boost from MTN Uganda.
The telecoms company announced its support at Entebbe Golf Club, pledging not only financial backing but also gifting Rugumayo a Samsung smartphone to help track his growing international schedule.
Rugumayo, 32, is Uganda’s sole representative on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour. Speaking after the announcement, he admitted that financial struggles had weighed heavily on his career.
“Golf requires a settled mind,” he said. “This support eases so much pressure. I promise to continue raising Uganda’s flag wherever I compete.”
The sponsorship forms part of MTN’s “Friends of Mayo” campaign, a national drive to encourage Ugandans to rally behind the country’s top golfer. Supporters can contribute directly through MTN’s merchant code 719110.
MTN’s Devices Manager, Ian Mugambe, said Rugumayo’s journey – from caddie to international golfer – had inspired the company’s decision.
“We were moved by his story,” Mugambe said. “He walked to tournaments while others had all the advantages. We can’t wait for a Tiger Woods to appear — we have talent right here that needs nurturing.”
The sponsorship package has no fixed timeline and includes additional support for fundraising and promotion. Rugumayo’s manager, Peter Mujuni, stressed the steep costs of competing internationally, from travel and coaching to insurance and nutrition.
Rugumayo’s 2025 schedule begins with the Zimbabwe Open from 8–11 May, followed by the Kit-Kat Open in the United States. Further appearances on the Sunshine Tour, the European Challenge Tour, and the DP World Tour are planned.
Ranked 3038th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Rugumayo’s story is a remarkable one. He grew up caddying at Tooro Golf Club in Fort Portal, inspired by local legend George Kituku. After winning the Uganda Open as an amateur in 2017, he turned professional two years later and made history in 2023 by becoming the first indigenous East African golfer to make the cut at a DP World Tour event, the Kenya Open.
Now, with fresh backing behind him, Rugumayo is aiming to take Ugandan golf even further on the global stage.
