Rwanda's elite professional golfers have started intensive preparations ahead of the forthcoming Uganda Golf Open Championships scheduled to run from for July 15 through August 1 at the Kitante Par-72 Golf Course in Kampala.

The country will be represented by Emmanuel Ruterana, ranked number two, and third-ranked Ernest Ndayisenga and both are currently training at Kigali Golf Club, Nyarutarama, looking to get a share of the cash prize on offer.

Currently based in the United States, Rwanda’s number one, Jean Baptiste Hakizimana won’t be making the trip to try winning the title for his second time after the 2010 triumph. The 24-year old returned to the US last month after a disappointing showing at the Kenya Open in April.

Speaking to Times Sport, the 34-year old Ruterana said he is feeling good and his training is going well. "We (him and Ndayisenga) are training well ahead of the Uganda Open.”

Former Rwanda number one, Ruterana, finished second in 2010 but had a quiet campaign last year, finishing 14th position.

Ndayisenga, who finished 5th at the 2013 tournament which was won by Uganda’s Vincent Byamukama, will also be aiming to go one step better.

Through their premium brand Tusker Malt Lager, Uganda Breweries Limited are sponsoring the Uganda Open for the fifth year in a row and have injected a total of Uganda Shilling 515m ( about Rwf128.7m) in this year’s edition.

Ugandans Deo Akope and Deus Kitata are the reigning champions in Professional and Amateurs’ categories, respectively.

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