Uganda’s three-member team has returned from Nairobi after a commanding display at the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale, earning admiration for their determination on one of East Africa’s toughest championship courses.
While they did not secure top-three positions, their outing at the famed Muthaiga Golf Club further cemented Uganda’s reputation as a rising force in regional amateur golf.
Gabriel Amani Beau, James Abiria, and Irene Sekabembe earned their spots at the finale through standout performances in qualifying legs held in Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe. Facing the strategic challenges and fast greens of Muthaiga, the trio demonstrated the kind of discipline and mental fortitude that continues to push Uganda’s golf profile upward.
Their poise did not go unnoticed. NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, praised the team for competing fearlessly on such demanding turf.
“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.
According to Muyobo, Uganda’s recurring presence at the grand finale signals the sport’s accelerating development locally, especially with more women, juniors, and new amateurs entering competitive golf. He pointed to the NCBA Golf Series as a central driver nurturing this broad-based growth.
Now in its third season, the Series has become one of the most influential amateur circuits in East Africa—offering players not just competition but also high-level exposure, interaction with regional talent, and access to diverse playing conditions.
Speaking during the awards gala, NCBA Group Managing Director, John Gachora, applauded the transformational journey the tournament has taken since inception.
“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.
Across five years, NCBA has invested more than Shs5.6 billion (KES 200 million), attracted over 10,000 golfers, and supported more than 400 tournaments while partnering with nearly every major club in the region.
This year’s tournament alone featured 38 events and drew a record 250 golfers to the Grand Finale—90 of whom were qualifiers from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
As Team Uganda returns home, their valuable experience from Muthaiga is expected to ripple across local clubs, motivating young amateurs and reaffirming the country’s ambition to dominate future regional showcases.
