It was a landmark day for Ugandan golf as Berna Musanabera delivered a historic hole-in-one during the 2026 Stanbic Match Play Challenge qualifiers at Entebbe Golf Club.
Musanabera etched her name into the tournament’s history books after sinking a flawless ace on the par-three 12th hole to win an Afrisafe-insured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid — the day’s grand prize.
Her achievement marks the first time in the history of the Stanbic Match Play series that a hole-in-one car prize has been claimed, and she becomes both the first woman and the first overall golfer to secure the coveted award.
Her tee shot landed cleanly on the green before a precise side spin guided the ball directly into the cup, sparking jubilant celebrations among fellow competitors and spectators.
“I can’t imagine that I’m now part of history,” Musanabera said moments after her triumph. “This shows that golf is not just a sport but also rewarding. I encourage more golfers, especially ladies, to actively participate because there are real opportunities.”
She also commended Stanbic Bank Uganda for its sustained investment in golf, noting that consistent sponsorship has strengthened the sport’s growth trajectory.
The brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid was presented by CFAO Mobility Uganda. The fuel-efficient vehicle delivers approximately 21 kilometres per litre and comes with two years of service and a three-year warranty provided by Afrisafe Uganda.
Afrisafe Uganda Managing Director Kwame Ejalu revealed that the company has sponsored the hole-in-one prize for a decade, making this year’s breakthrough particularly significant.
“Unlike other editions where it has always been one hole, today we increased the number because we were very intentional about giving out the car,” Ejalu said. “It is even more exciting that a woman has broken this record.”
Strong turnout at qualifier
A total of 246 golfers took part in the qualifier, including Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa and several high-profile players from across the country.
Ritah Apell, Stanbic Bank’s Head of ICT, praised the impressive turnout, aligning the bank’s sports sponsorship with its broader mission.
“While many are at candlelit dinners, you chose to be on the greens. That tells us something powerful, that you love this game,” Apell said. “Love is about commitment. It’s about showing up. It’s about passion. Those same values define sport, banking and strong partnerships.”
Road to the finals
Golf match play differs from stroke play in that competitors contest each hole individually rather than tallying total strokes, intensifying strategy and head-to-head competition.
Sserwano Walusimbi, Captain of Entebbe Golf Club, described the qualifier as energetic and competitive, cautioning that the stakes will rise as the tournament progresses.
“This is just a qualifier. As we move to round one up to the final, only the very best will remain in the race,” Walusimbi said.
He also confirmed enhanced rewards for the tournament’s climax. The overall winner will attend the DP World Tour in Dubai, while the runner-up will travel to Zanzibar and another top performer to Mombasa. Additional prizes throughout the series are backed by Stanbic Bank, Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility and Afrisafe.
“I want to congratulate Berna for writing history,” Walusimbi added.
Musanabera’s remarkable shot not only secured her a hybrid vehicle but also delivered a defining moment for women’s golf in Uganda, reinforcing the growing prominence and competitiveness of the Stanbic Match Play Challenge.
