The 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series opener 19th hole experience, held on Saturday, March 14, had golfers engulfed with joy, as title sponsors- I&M Bank Uganda announced a three-year extension of their partnership with the series, as well as a trip to South Africa, for the cross-boarder leg.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO- Robin Bairstow, I&M Bank Chief Financial Officer- Timothy Musiime, revealed that the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series will take this year’s cross-border leg to Sun City Golf Resort, a premier world-class golf destination located near Pilanesberg National Park, in Johannesburg, South Africa, this September.
The bank also committed to extend the title sponsorship bid of the series for another three years, sending golfers at Entebbe Club into ululation and loud cheers.
This will be the third time the series will host an event outside Uganda, after a regional leg in Kigali, Rwanda, last year, and the inaugural cross border tour that was held in Limuru, Kenya, in 2024.
“In September, we will be travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa, for another cross-border leg at Sun City Golf Resort. This promises to be one of the highlights of the season. I encourage as many of you as possible to join us as we take the Katogo spirit to ‘Msanzi,’” Bairstow’s message read.
Reflecting on the continued sponsorship, Musiime noted that the bank remains committed to building on the progress thus far.
“We are here to stay. We are committing another next three years, all the way to 2029” he said, as the audience cheered on.
“And I can assure you that during the next three years, things are only going to get better and better. We look forward to growing the series further, create more memorable experiences with you, and continue to strengthen the Katogo spirit and community.”
Musiime also revealed that I&M Bank supported Entebbe Club to acquire green mowers, that will ease the maintenance of the course.
“We are sure this equipment will not only help ease the work of the course mantainance team, but will also ensure the course is always in pristine shape.”
In conclusion, Musiime also reiterated that this season, the series will have a reciprocal visit by members of Limuru Country Club, a return leg of the inaugural cross border leg held in 2024.
The return visit is expected to further strengthen the growing camaraderie and sporting ties between golfers in Uganda and Kenya.
Earlier in the day, about 196 golfers took to the greens for the season opener, playing under the ‘It’s Up To Me’ format- a debut individual competition format in the series.
Under this format, after all players teed off, one designated player in each group had to choose where they will play their second shot from, and also decided where the rest of the group must play theirs.
Moses SSebugawo (56 C/B) and Charity Atuhaire (58 nett), emerged overall winners in the men and ladies’ categories respectively. The pair was awarded a RwandAir ticket each, and Victoria Motors hampers.
In the gross category, Edgar Muzahura won the men’s event with 67, while Peace Kabasweka topped the ladies’ division after returning 70.
Other winners included Brian Katimbo (Men Group A), William Otieno (Group B), while Albert Otete took Group C.
In the ladies’ category, Phionah Namanya topped Group B with 59, while Rita Apell won Group A after returning 62.
Entebbe born seasoned amateur golfer- Morris Ongwech, sunk in a hole-in-one on hole 16, but missed out of the hole in one prize- a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, courtesy of Victoria Motors, that was strictly for hole 10.
Nevertheless, he was awarded with a set of tyres from the same company.
Winners of the weekly quiz were rewarded with Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve bottles. The brand also elevated the after-party with themed cocktails and premium bottle offerings.
The Caribbean-themed 19th hole experience, hosted by comedian Patrick ‘Salvador’ Idringi, was headlined by A Pass, who took the already animated crowd on a journey of his soulful dancehall jams.
Annette Nakiyaga, I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, described the season opener as a perfect start for the year, as well as a display of progress for the game of golf.
“By now, we are almost clear on how the entire season will unfold, and together with our partners, we’re excited about the progress we have made. But as we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering an even bigger and exciting 2026 Katogo Golf Series season,” she said.
The 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, returning on May 3o for the second leg, is supported by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security.
