NCBA Bank Uganda officially flagged off the Uganda leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club, marking the start of another exciting season of East Africa’s premier amateur golf tournament.
The tournament brought together 220 golfers, including some of Uganda’s leading amateur golfers, who competed for top honours and an opportunity to represent Uganda at the prestigious NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale to be held at the renowned Karen Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya, later this year.
Joseph Cwinyaai carded an overall 2-under 70 to win the first Uganda legof the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, held at the Uganda Golf Club (UGC), Kitante.
The national team player consequently became the first of two winners from Uganda to enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Nairobi to compete in the grand finale, to be played at the Muthaiga Golf Club in November. The second winner will emerge from the Entebbe Club leg in October.
Cwinyaii, who plays off a handicap of +3, edged second-placed John Musiimenta (71 gross) to the top prize by a stroke, to also top the men’s Division A. Gilbert Asiimwe finished third overall with 75 gross, beating UPDF’s Aggrey Mutaka, who finished fourth overall, on count-back.
Martha Babirye’s 77 was the best overall gross score among the ladies, three strokes better than Judith Komugisha’s 80.
Ashwin Patel topped the men’s Division 2 of the handicap 13-24 with 62 nett, while Zhang Fangyi took the ladies’ prize in the same category, having scored 68nett. Peter Oola was the best in the men’s Division 3 with 70 nett.
Sean Kusasira Nsereko, Raymond Ekwamu, and Olivia Nakuya were the other winners on the day, taking the junior, guest and staff winners’ prizes with 80, 66 and 68 nett respectively.
The Uganda leg of the Series forms part of a regional circuit spanning 25 golf courses across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, bringing together hundreds of golfers in one of East Africa’s most anticipated sporting events.
Speaking during the opening tournament at Uganda Golf Club, NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to growing the game of golf and creating opportunities for emerging talent across the region.
“The NCBA Golf Series was born out of a desire to do more for the sport of golf. We wanted to create a platform where talent is discovered and nurtured, where competition thrives, and where meaningful relationships are built. Today, the Series has grown into East Africa’s premier amateur golf tournament, and Uganda continues to play a critical role in its success,” he said.
“At NCBA, we bank on belief and empower ambitions. Our commitment to the NCBA Golf Series reflects our belief in the power of sport to transform lives, unlock potential and inspire excellence. Through this platform, we are investing not only in the future of golf but also in the future of East Africa’s sporting talent.” said Muyobo
The Ugandan leg of the tournament will feature two qualifying events, beginning with the Uganda Golf Club qualifier on 13 June and culminating with a second qualifier at Entebbe Club on 3 October 2026.
The overall winners from each event will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Nairobi, including travel, accommodation and meals, to compete against the region’s finest golfers at the Grand Finale.
Since its inception in 2022, the NCBA Golf Series has grown into one of the region’s most respected amateur sporting platforms, offering golfers a pathway to regional competition while fostering networking, sportsmanship and personal development.
Uganda continues to make a significant contribution to the tournament’s success. In the previous edition, the country fielded its largest-ever contingent of seven golfers at the Grand Finale, highlighting the growing strength and competitiveness of Ugandan golf on the regional stage.
NCBA’s commitment to the sport extends beyond competition. Through the NCBA Junior Golf Series, delivered in partnership with US Kids Golf, the Bank continues to invest in nurturing the next generation of golfers.
Several young players supported through the initiative have gone on to represent Uganda at regional and international competitions, demonstrating the long-term impact of sustained investment in talent development.
Beyond golf, the NCBA Golf Series also serves as a platform for positive community impact. This year, NCBA partnered with Pendeza Uganda to distribute water purification systems to 40 vulnerable households in Makerere Kivulu, helping improve access to safe drinking water and contributing to healthier communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Uganda Golf Club welcomed the continued partnership with NCBA and praised the role the tournament continues to play in elevating golf in Uganda.
“The NCBA Golf Series has become one of the most important tournaments on Uganda’s golfing calendar. It provides local golfers with a world-class competitive platform while creating opportunities for regional exposure and development. We are proud to host this year’s opening qualifier and look forward to witnessing exceptional golf.”
As competition gets underway, golfers will battle for a coveted place at the Grand Finale in Nairobi, where the best amateur golfers from across East Africa will compete for regional glory.
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series is expected to attract hundreds of golfers across the region and further cement its position as East Africa’s leading amateur golf tournament while advancing talent development, sustainability and community impact initiatives.
