Cheers rang out across the greens of Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday as seasoned golfers Charles Kabunga and Steven Kitamirike were crowned champions of the Stanbic Entebbe Match Play 2025, sealing a dominant 3/1 victory against the experienced pairing of Henry Nsubuga and Picole Lukyamuzi in the grand finale.
The climactic event marked the end of a thrilling seven-month tournament that teed off on February 8, drawing 169 amateur golfers into one of Uganda’s most prestigious golfing competitions. The championship concluded in an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie, with live music entertainment provided by renowned guitarist Myco Ouma and his backing band, adding flair to the evening festivities.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Kitamirike expressed gratitude to fellow golfers and tournament sponsors for making the journey memorable.
“I want to thank my partner Charles, our formidable opponents, the Entebbe golfing family, and our great sponsor Stanbic Bank for making this tournament so special,” he said. “From day one, we came determined to give our best, and I’m proud we stayed focused right through to the final putt. Winning this Match Play title and being recognised for the Heroics of the Season is a memory I’ll carry for a lifetime.”
Stanbic Bank Chief Executive, Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, also a keen golfer, commended the tournament for showcasing “incredible talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable camaraderie” over its nine-month stretch.
He lauded the players’ spirit and noted how the Match Play format added excitement and edge to every round.
In the individual categories, standout performers included Ivan Arinaitwe, who led the men’s Group A with 40 points. Musa Baguma topped Group B with 43 points, while Ssubi Kiwanuka claimed Group C with 40 points. On the ladies’ side, Daniella Kawalya emerged as the winner of Group A with 39 points, with Flora Ihunde Namara dominating Group B with 42 points.
Multi-award winner Berna Musanabera secured the Longest Drive (Ladies) accolade and was also named Subsidiary Player of the Season.
Adding a philanthropic dimension to this year’s tournament, Stanbic Bank committed UGX 10,000 from every match played toward the purchase of life-saving medical equipment for Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital. Speaking on this initiative, Kalifungwa reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to community welfare.
“Beyond banking, Stanbic has over the years been recognised for its philanthropic footprint. In line with our purpose, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’, we are going to double all the money collected through this campaign to ensure we hand over a significant package for the people of Entebbe,” he said.
He added that the charitable initiative aligns with Stanbic’s current ‘Kya Double With SupaDupa’ campaign, which rewards customers for transacting across the bank’s digital platforms.
Special recognitions were also awarded for memorable moments throughout the season. The Best Dressed Pair award was taken by Casper Tevin Okiru and Ronald Osekeny.
Steven Kitamirike was recognised once more with the Heroics of the Season (Men) award following an earlier 7/6 triumph. The Challenge of the Season was awarded to the highly competitive showdown between Mukasa/Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Katwebaze/Atukunda.
In the final tournament rankings, the team of John Paul Basabose and Kin Kariisa secured third place with a 4/3 win, while Ellis Katwebaze and Evelyne Atukunda settled for fourth. In the seniors’ category, Absorom Nabisiima emerged as the top player with 37 points on count-back.
Arthur Kiwanuka, Head of Private Banking at Stanbic Bank, praised the event’s sponsors and partners for their vital role in elevating the tournament.
“To Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility, DStv Uganda, and Uganda Breweries Limited, thank you for growing the golfing community and making this tournament a resounding success,” he said.
Kiwanuka also announced that the next major event on the local golf calendar, the Stanbic Entebbe Open, will take place during Uganda’s Independence week from October 4 to 9, 2025. The event is expected to attract both professional and amateur golfers from across the continent.
