Uganda’s participation at this year’s NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale may not have delivered medals, but it delivered something arguably more important—proof that the country’s amateur golfers are steadily closing the gap with the region’s elite.
After competing at the iconic Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Gabriel Amani Beau, James Abiria, and Irene Sekabembe returned home with their heads high, having battled through one of East Africa’s most technically demanding courses. Their qualification alone—earned through stellar performances in the Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe legs—showcased the depth of emerging talent in Uganda’s golf scene.
NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, said the trio’s showing reflected a maturity that continues to grow within the country’s amateur ranks.
“Their composure on such a demanding course speaks volumes about the caliber of talent we have at home. This experience will inspire emerging golfers across the country. As NCBA, we remain committed to exposing Ugandan golfers to regional competition and giving them the platforms they need to grow,” Muyobo said.
Muyobo noted that Uganda’s consistent representation at the regional finale is no coincidence. With more women, juniors, and first-time amateurs entering the sport, the national golfing landscape is rapidly broadening—creating a competitive environment that fuels better performances each year.
The NCBA Golf Series itself has played a significant role in that growth. Now in its third season, it has evolved into a premier cross-border amateur platform—one that connects golfers with new styles of play, unfamiliar terrains, and regional rivalries.
Reflecting on the broader journey of the tournament, NCBA Group Managing Director, John Gachora, said the impact has gone far beyond competition.
“When we launched the NCBA Golf Series in 2021, our goal was to grow the sport, nurture talent, and bring communities together. Five years later, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved collectively,” Gachora said.
With over Shs5.6 billion (KES 200 million) invested in the five years, more than 400 tournaments staged, and over 10,000 golfers engaged, the Series has grown into a powerhouse for nurturing amateur talent across East Africa.
The 2025 season alone featured 38 events, culminating in a Grand Finale that brought together 250 players—including 90 top qualifiers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
For Uganda’s trio, the challenge of Muthaiga is expected to become a springboard for future regional success. Their return marks not the end of a journey, but the sharpening of ambition among a new generation hungry to elevate Uganda’s flag in continental golf.