The 2026 Absa Chairman’s Bell Golf Tournament climaxed on Saturday, bringing to a close a week of thrilling competition, sportsmanship and community celebration at the Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.
Backed by a UGX 185 million title sponsorship from Absa Bank Uganda, this year’s tournament marked the bank’s eighth consecutive year as the event’s title sponsor.
The championship attracted more than 400 participants, including 32 professional golfers, 58 gross amateurs and 71 caddies, with the latter competing in the newly introduced Caddies Tournament. A total prize purse of UGX 28 million was shared among the top performers across all categories.
The tournament concluded with a colourful 19th Hole awards ceremony that honoured winners in the Caddies, Gross Amateurs, Professionals and Main Event categories following a week of highly competitive golf.
The professional title went to Grace Kasango, who defeated Ronald Rugumayo in a dramatic three-hole playoff after the pair finished level at the top of the leaderboard. Joseph Kasozi and Judith Komugisha claimed the men’s and women’s Gross Amateur titles respectively.
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s edition was the introduction of the inaugural Caddies Tournament, created to give local caddies a competitive platform to showcase and develop their talent.
The initiative underscores Absa Bank Uganda’s commitment to expanding participation in golf and creating structured pathways for growth within the sport. Basil Akinoi and Joweria Namanda emerged champions in the men’s and women’s caddies categories respectively.
Speaking during the 19th Hole celebrations, David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, underscored the significance of the bank’s continued investment in the tournament.
“Eight years in, this tournament keeps proving why it is worth investing in. What stood out for me this year was the Caddies Tournament. Giving our local caddies a professional competitive stage of their own is an initiative we are genuinely proud to have backed, and we fully intend to scale it further. We are honoured to be a part of these stories alongside the Uganda Golf Club. Congratulations to every competitor who pushed through the week,” Wandera said.
Beyond the competition, this year’s tournament marked a historic moment for the Uganda Golf Club, with the ceremonial ringing of the Chairman’s Bell officially transitioning from the Club Captain to the Club Chairman, symbolising the evolution of one of the club’s most cherished traditions.
Uganda Golf Club Chairman Paul Nuwagaba applauded Absa Bank Uganda for its unwavering support of the sport.
“This tournament remains a celebration of tradition, leadership and the enduring spirit of our club. We are proud to partner with Absa Bank Uganda, whose continued support enables us to grow the game, nurture talent and create inclusive opportunities for all who are passionate about golf,” Nuwagaba said.
Absa Bank Uganda said its continued sponsorship of the Chairman’s Bell reflects its brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” by using sport as a platform to promote community development, create economic opportunities and nurture the next generation of golfing talent across Uganda.
As another successful edition comes to a close, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside golf clubs, governing bodies and players to further elevate the sport and strengthen Uganda’s standing on the regional golfing stage.
Winners
Main Event
• Overall Men: Elly Tumwine (41 C/B)
• Overall Ladies: Esther Okullo (41 C/B)
Group A
• Men: Charles Mubiru (40 pts)
• Ladies: Harriet Kitaka (41 pts)
Group B
• Men: Claver Serumaga (40 C/B)
• Ladies: Esther Gonza (39 pts)
Group C
• Men: Hillary Rutaroh (41 pts)
Seniors
• Men: Mebs Juma (39 pts)
• Ladies: Katy Kabenge (39 pts)
Juniors
• Boys: Lucas Kimara (36 pts)
• Girls: Arianna Tumwesigye (35 pts)
Other Awards
• Guest Winner: Abel Okuna (48 pts)
• Longest Drive (Men): Hannington Mulumba
• Longest Drive (Ladies): Peace Hellen
• Nearest to the Pin (Men): Ivan Ssetimba
• Nearest to the Pin (Ladies): Esther Okullo
• Piga Mingi: Gertrude Kityo (18 pts)
Championship Categories
• Professionals: Grace Kasango
• Gross Amateur Men: Joseph Kasozi (222)
• Gross Amateur Ladies: Judith Komugisha (239)
