The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series returned for the second leg on Saturday May 31st, at the Par71 Entebbe Club.
Played under the “For Better or Worse” format of play, the edition came with a surprise that excited every golfer that attended the 19th hole experience.
After all action had ended for the main event, I&M Bank, the Katogo title sports officially launched the lit 18th hole fairway, fulfilling their promise at the first edition of the series, held in March. The bank installed several solar-powered floodlights, right from the tee box, all through the fair way, till the greens of hole 18.
The move was inspired by the fact that on most days when the course hosts golfers in big numbers, many of them fail to hole out on the 18th hole, when it gets dark.
However, with well lit fair way and green, golfers will now be able to complete their rounds even after sunset.
The installation features twenty-two (22) solar-powered floodlights. Each floodlight is equipped with a 105-watt solar panel, a built-in 560WH battery, and delivers a luminous flux of 21,600 lumens, ensuring bright and consistent lighting suitable for night play. With a color temperature of 5700K, the lights provide daylight-like visibility on the course.
To unveil the well-lit 18th hole fairway, 15 male golfers and 5 ladies took part in a one-shot challenge, under the new lights. Temporary tee boxes were placed in the centre of the fairway, with the men’s tee positioned 250 yards from the green, and the ladies’ tee 200 yards away.
The challenge teed off around 7:30pm, and players had to tee their balls straight to the green. Only those whose balls landed on the green were allowed to putt and hole out.
Lady golfer Peace Hellen emerged the winner of the challenge, and received a reward of Shs 500,000 from I&M Bank. The winner was determined by the lowest number of strokes.
I&M Bank CEO, Robin Bairstow, said the bank is happy to light up the 18th hole, highlighting that it will go along way in enhancing the golfing experience for players at Entebbe Club.
“As you all remember, the last time we were here, we promised to light up the 18th hole; right from the tee box, all through the fairway, up to the greens. I am happy to share that we have delivered on our promise. You now don’t have to rush through your last hole when it gets dark. Whether you’re chasing a birdie, or simply soaking in the beauty of the game, we’ve ensured that your experience remains uninterrupted,” Bairstow said.
The second edition of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series attracted a total of 132 golfers, that played in pairs.
At the of a gruelling day on the course, Team Kyaayi Mukalu, consisting of Mukasa Mulema and Abbas Luyombo, emerged overall winners in the men’s category, with 40 points. The pair won themselves RwandAir tickets, and a range of other prizes.
For the ladies, Edith Wamalwa and Anne Abeja, of Team Hot Birdies & Bling, emerged triumphant with 37 points, earning themselves a weekend stay at Kampala Serena Hotel, among other goodies. Abeja also took home the ladies’ nearest to the pin prize.
Among other key winners, were Eagles & Birdies, consisting of John Paul Namoma and Jonathan Lukyamuzi (runners-up), team Bombers- featuring Twijukye Kirarira and Richard Mucunguzi (second runners-up), and Team Masse, consisting of Maxie Muwonge and Andrew Ssekibejja (third runners-up).
For the ladies, the Slice N Dice duo, consisting of Esther Aganyira and Florence Namara, were the runners-up, closely followed by The Sexy Divas (Evelyne Atukunda and Charity Tushabomwe), who were the second runners up.
I&M Bank Marketing and Corporate Communications boss- Annette Nakiyaga, told golfers that the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series has even more in store, including a Rwanda leg that has been confirmed for November this year.
“We held our first cross-border leg at Limuru Country Club in Kenya last year, and this year we are heading to Kigali, for yet another exciting regional leg. This series is not just about golf; it’s about building friendships, promoting regional integration, and giving our golfers unforgettable experiences across borders. Kigali promises new challenges, a new scenery, and a chance to grow the Katogo spirit beyond Uganda’s fairways. We can’t wait to tee off in Rwanda,” she said.
Meanwhile, the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series continued its corporate social responsibility (CSR) trajectory, this time round supporting one of Uganda’s top lady professional golfers- Irene Nakalembe with USD 1,500 ahead of her international engagements in Kinshasa and Accra.
CSR initiatives like this are a continuous concern for I&M Bank, which believes in supporting not just the sport, but the people behind it. Last year, the bank announced support in the form of school fees for children of the women who maintain Entebbe Club’s golf course and for school-going caddies, a commitment that is still running.
Meanwhile, the 19th hole experience, hosted by renowned comedian Patrick Idringi Salvador, was a vibrant climax to the day’s action. Most golfers and guests adhered to the football jerseys dress code, and enjoyed the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan, that was screened live on the giant screens, courtesy of Dstv.
DJ Global kept the vibe high as he dropped a nostalgic mix of classic R&B and soul hits, taking revelers on a smooth journey back in time.
Johnnie Walker, the series beverage partner, ensured attendees never ran out drinks, with an elegant spread of cocktail creations and premium bottle offerings, adding a touch of class to the after-party.
The series will return on August 9th for the third leg, which will be played under the ‘Daytona’ format.
The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is sponsored by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance Rwanda Air, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security.
