Kasango wins playoff to claim Absa Chairman’s Bell

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reported that professional golfer Grace “Woods” Kasango won the Absa Chairman’s Bell after a playoff against Ronald Rugumayo at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala. The tournament was played on the par-72 course, with the decisive finish coming on Friday, according to the report published July 19, 2026.

Kasango and Rugumayo ended regulation play level at 10-under-par 278, forcing a three-hole playoff. The Independent said both players made birdies on the par-four 12th and pars on the par-three 17th. On the 18th, Kasango held steady with par, while Rugumayo dropped a shot after finding a bunker, giving Kasango the title.

The win was Kasango’s second of the year, following his POA Tour Leg 1 victory in Entebbe. The Independent cited the event as useful preparation for the Uganda Open, which is expected in September at the same venue. The professional field had 32 entrants, with 16 making the cut. The prize fund was reported at Shs20 million, including Shs4 million for the winner.

Absa Bank Uganda sponsored this year’s Chairman’s Bell. Other winners included Basil Atinoi and Joweria Namanda in the caddies category, Joseph Kasozi in the men’s gross competition with 222, and Judith Komugisha in the ladies category with 239. Elly Tumwine and Esther Okullo were named overall subsidiary winners on countback after each scored 41 points.