Equity Bank Uganda has strengthened its commitment to empowering women by contributing Shs10 million towards the third edition of the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament.
The sponsorship was announced during the tournament’s partners’ press briefing held on Wednesday at the Uganda Golf Club. Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director, Gift Shoko, said the bank remains committed to investing in programmes that equip people with the skills and resources needed to transform their lives.
This year’s tournament, themed “Hope on the Green,” aims to raise Shs450 million to provide 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits valued at Shs450,000 each. The initiative is designed to help beneficiaries start small businesses, earn a stable income and improve the welfare of their families.
Shoko said the tournament aligns with Equity Bank’s broader mission of promoting financial inclusion and supporting women, young people and entrepreneurs.
“The Watoto Golf Tournament reflects our purpose of empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship. Every swing on the golf course this Saturday represents more than sport—it represents hope, opportunity and a chance for families to build a better future. We are proud to continue supporting an initiative that creates lasting economic transformation,” he said.
He added that the partnership goes beyond sponsorship, describing it as part of the bank’s long-term commitment to expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative complements Equity Bank’s flagship EquiMama programme, which supports women entrepreneurs through affordable financing, financial literacy training, business mentorship, networking opportunities and customised banking solutions.
Under the programme, women can access unsecured loans ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs5 million, alongside insurance cover for maternity, life, disability, fire and other emergencies. Mothers also receive maternity support, including antenatal insurance benefits.
Since its launch in 2021, EquiMama has trained more than 89,000 women in business development and entrepreneurship, while over 40,000 women have accessed loans through the programme. Originally introduced to help women recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has continued to support female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural communities.
Beyond financing, the programme offers free financial literacy training, business advisory services, advanced entrepreneurship workshops and networking opportunities that connect women to markets, investment opportunities and other financial services.
Speaking at the briefing, Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo welcomed Equity Bank’s continued support, saying partnerships between the private sector and faith-based organisations play a vital role in restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable families.
“The vision of the Watoto Golf Tournament is to empower women with practical opportunities to earn a living and care for their families. We appreciate partners like Equity Bank who believe that lasting change comes through empowerment. Every contribution made through this tournament helps restore hope, purpose and a brighter future for hundreds of families,” Rwotlonyo said.
The tournament programme began with a caddies’ competition on Monday and also features activities aimed at introducing more people to golf as part of efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible.
As golfers tee off this weekend, the tournament will serve as more than a sporting event. It will be a fundraising platform to help vulnerable women start businesses, strengthen household incomes and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The initiative brings together Watoto Church, Uganda Golf Club, corporate sponsors and individual golfers in a shared effort to empower women through entrepreneurship and create lasting social impact.
