It is barely a week since the conclusion of the Junior Golf Series by NCBA Bank in Uganda.
To set the stage for the higher class of players, the financial institution this week launched the 2026 season of the NCBA Golf Series, with an opening leg at Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kitante this weekend.
An East Africa’s premier amateur golf tournament, it is back with bigger competition and continued focus on talent development.
‘It’s a moment that not only celebrates the sport of golf but importantly affirms our shared commitment to community and sports development in this country,’ remarked NCBA Bank Uganda executive director Julius Konyani during the launch at UGC.
‘We began the 2026 season with an electrifying start in Kenya and we are thrilled to bring the momentum to Uganda, a country which has consistently demonstrated passion for the sport, exceptional talent and a growing golfing catch-up,’ he said.
The Series also takes place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with a focus on long-term investment in human potential for this region where talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated.
‘Beyond providing a high-quality tournament experience, it has created valuable opportunities for emerging golfers to test themselves against top talent and gain exposure at a regional level. We are delighted to once again host this prestigious event,’ said UGC board of directors chairman Paul Nuwagaba.
A field of more than 120 players is expected at the par-72 course on Saturday, with another leg to follow at Entebbe Club on October 3 with winners set to represent Uganda at the grand finale in Nairobi, Kenya later in the year.
‘We at NCBA Bank believe that golf is more than just a game. For us, it is a teacher of values, discipline, resilience, persistence and focus. And all these align perfectly with our brand but more than that, golf has become a vehicle for transformation, unlocking opportunities for players and fostering community development,’ added Konyani.
A part of the Series’ community impact will include partnering with Pendeza Uganda, a charity organization which helps vulnerable families and children, with water purifiers.
’40 families will receive water filters that will help them provide safe water and ensure the reduced burden that water borne diseases may impact on them,’ Pendeza Uganda executive team lead Christine Walubo said.
‘What may seem like a simple gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people that we serve,’ she added.
The Series marks its fourth anniversary this year, emerging from a board idea in 2022. Last year, Uganda had seven qualifiers for Nairobi including a junior Gabriel Amani.