Over 120 Ugandan golfers took part in the second cross-border leg of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, held on Saturday, November 8th, at the picturesque Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, in Rwanda.
The tournament attracted more than 220 golfers, mainly from Rwanda and Uganda. The Ugandan team was dominated by members of Entebbe Club’s Katogo fraternity, but had other clubs equally well represented by both members and club leaders.
Dubbed the “Virunga Challenge,” the one-day tournament, played under the Stableford format, saw the host club make the most of their local knowledge to win the team event with 759 points, against Katogo’s 701. The top 20 individual results were used to determine the final team scores.
Some of Katogo team’s outstanding performers included Michael Kijjambu with 39 points, Serwano Walusimbi with 39, Captain Elly Mukasa with 38, Harry Hakiza with 36, and David Obua with 36.
Team Kigali’s top performers included Habumuremyi Theogene- 42 points, Darlington Kabatende- 42, Pearl Kirungi- 40 points, Innocent Rutamu- 40, and Januario Mucyo- 40 points.
With the Ugandan contingent outnumbering the home players, Kigali Golf Resort Captain Eugene Murenjekha, who was flanked by the Lady Captain- Jenny Linda, took time off to applaud the Ugandan team for the energy, and most importantly the deliberate effort to uplift the game of golf across the region.
“We are proud to host our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Kigali. The energy, sportsmanship, and laughter we have shared today truly reflect what golf is all about. We look forward to meeting again at Entebbe Club for the grand finale,” he said.
Katogo Captain, Elly Mukasa, who took golfers through the humble beginnings of the series, stated that the cross-border legs have been a game changer, bringing new energy, diversity, and excitement to the competition.
“The Kigali leg has been an inspiring experience, and we have picked many lessons that will guide us to execution future legs of the series even better. Moments like these remind us that Katogo is not just about winning trophies; it’s about enjoying the game, connecting with golfers and friends across borders, as well as creating memories, that stay with us long after the final putt,” he said.
Mukasa extended an invitation to the Kigali team for the upcoming 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series grand finale, slated for November 29, at Entebbe Club.
I&M Bank Uganda, the tournament’s lead sponsors, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the growth of golf and strengthening regional ties through sport.
Annette Nakiyaga, the I&M Bank Uganda Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications commended the Ugandan team for participating in big numbers, and commended the Kigali team for the warm welcome, that provided a perfect background for new friendships.
“As a bank with a presence across the region, we are proud to be at the heart of this tournament, while gaining insights that will allow us to elevate future events outside Uganda,” she said. “I thank Katogo members for coming out in such a big number, and I thank our hosts- the leadership of Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, the I&M Bank team Rwanda, and golfers, for welcoming us and ensuring this leg is a success.”
Iddy Rugamba, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at I&M Bank Rwnada, who represented the CEO- Benjamin Mutimura, noted that they have drawn inspiration from their Ugandan counterparts, and shall introduce a similar golf series next year.
Other winners of the day included Timothy Musiime, the I&M Bank Uganda Chief Finance Officer, who emerged the Bank Champion, with 38 points, January Mucyo- 40 points, and Josephine Lee, claimed the overall honors in the men and ladies’ categories respectively.
In the side bets, Maxi Byenkya, who had a hole-in-one, on her practice round on Friday, won the nearest-to-the-pin- ladies, while Benjamin Mukisa took it for men.
Sylvie Irakoze and Benjamin Manzi claimed the longest drive, for women and men, respectively.
The event climaxed in true ‘Katogo style,’ with a lively ‘All white’ themed 19th hole experience, that was characterized with a sumptuous three course dinner, an open bar, and a DJ session that saw golfers and guests dance the night away till the wee hours of Sunday morning.
