Team P&B, comprising of Bob Matisiko and Peter Atwine, and Fairway Zokka, comprising of Edith Wamala and Suzan Achieng, emerged as the overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the first round of the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series season, held at Entebbe Club on Saturday.
Team P&B claimed the top spot with 57 points, winning two RwandAir tickets and I&M Bank goodies, while Fairway Zokka emerged victorious with 59 points, each earning a weekend for two at the Kampala Serena Hotel, along with I&M Bank goodies.
Played under the newly introduced “Rejected” format, the series’ season opener attracted over 150 golfers. Under this format, golfers paired up and teed off normally, but the opposing team decided where their opponents would play their second shots from on twelve holes, out of the 18 holes. On the holes where they played from the position chosen by their opponents, the team entered their best net score. However, on the six holes where the team chose to play from their preferred position, they had to enter their worst score as the team’s score. The pairs had to strictly be of the same sex.
“We worked well together and stayed focused. It’s an amazing feeling winning the season opener, but even a better feeling being the overall winners. We really appreciate the organizers and partners for putting together such a challenging tournament, and a lit 19th hole experience,” said Atwine of Team P&B.
Team Fairway Zokka’s Achieng also remarked, “The tournament was both competitive and fun, making it a great experience for all golfers.”
Timothy Musiime, the I&M Bank Chief Financial Officer, who represented the bank’s CEO, Robin Bairstow, spoke about how the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series continues to grow as a premier golfing experience that fosters camaraderie and positive community impact.
“As we embark on the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, we are not just looking forward to playing golf—we are seeking to strengthen bonds, support communities, and elevate the sport. This year, we aim to make the series even bigger and better, with exciting new formats, cross-border engagements—with a Rwanda leg in plan—and meaningful partnerships that extend beyond the course. Together, we are here to build something truly special,” Musiime stated.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa reemphasized that the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is an open tournament that welcomes all golfers who wish to enjoy unique and challenging golf formats. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors and partners, whose support has ensured successful editions for every season.
“The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series remains open to all golfers. We are always happy to see so many familiar faces, but even more thrilled to see some new ones this season. I wish to thank all our sponsors and partners for their continued support; you are the reason we have had many successful seasons, and we are yet to see an even better 2025 season. Together we’re growing the game and making a difference in our communities,” he remarked.
Among other key winners were The Protons, comprising of Michael Andama and Jim Kamanyi, the men’s runners-up pair, as well as Game Changers, comprising of Diana Anubekyana and Rita Apell, the ladies’ runners-up.
Meanwhile, earlier in the week, golfers participated in a quiz competition, and the winners, who included journalist Allan Darren Kyeyune, Brian Walusimbi, Serwano Walusimbi, Helen Kisinde, and Evelyn Atukunda, were rewarded with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve each.
I&M Bank Marketing and Corporate Communications boss Annette Nakiyaga told golfers that the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series promises to be even more successful than the previous editions.
“We intend to leverage our past achievements to drive the series to new heights. Together with our partners, we’ve introduced new aspects to the series, and golfers can expect something fresh at each quarterly event,” Nakiyaga noted.
At the start of the 19th hole experience, the host, comedian Patrick Idiringi aka Salvador, asked golfers to rise and maintain a moment of silence in honor of Brian Toolit, a professional golfer who passed away on Saturday morning.
Songbird Naava Grey spiced up the evening with an amazing performance of her soulful jams, which got many golfers singing along.
The second quarterly event of the series will take place on May 31, the third event on August 9, and the grand finale will be held on November 29.
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 and Time Cop Security.
