The spirit of camaraderie and competition was in full swing as over 120 Ugandan golfers crossed borders to take part in the second leg of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, held on Saturday, November 8, at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Rwanda.
The event, dubbed the “Virunga Challenge,” attracted more than 220 golfers from Uganda and Rwanda, with Entebbe Club’s famous Katogo fraternity leading the Ugandan delegation. Other Ugandan clubs were also well represented, underscoring the growing regional appeal of the series.
In a closely contested one-day Stableford tournament, the host club made home advantage count, clinching the team title with 759 points against Katogo’s 701. The final standings were determined by the top 20 individual scores from each side.
Team Kigali’s best performers included Habumuremyi Theogene and Darlington Kabatende, who each carded 42 points, while Pearl Kirungi, Innocent Rutamu, and Januario Mucyo followed with 40 points apiece. Uganda’s top scorers were Michael Kijjambu and Serwano Walusimbi with 39 points each, followed by Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa with 38, and Harry Hakiza and David Obua on 36 points.
Kigali Golf Resort Captain Eugene Murenjekha, joined by Lady Captain Jenny Linda, applauded the visiting team for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship. “We are proud to host our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Kigali. The energy, laughter, and friendship shared today truly reflect what golf is all about,” he said.
Katogo Captain Mukasa described the Kigali leg as a “game changer” for the series, emphasizing its impact on building connections and memories across borders. “This leg has been inspiring. Katogo isn’t just about trophies; it’s about the friendships and experiences that stay with us long after the final putt,” he noted, inviting the Rwandan team to the grand finale slated for November 29 at Entebbe Club.
I&M Bank Uganda, the lead sponsor of the series, reaffirmed its commitment to growing golf and regional cooperation through sport. Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, praised the collaboration between the two countries. “As a bank with a regional presence, we’re proud to be at the heart of this series, building relationships that go beyond the fairways,” she said.
From the host side, I&M Bank Rwanda’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Iddy Rugamba, revealed plans to launch a similar golf series in Rwanda next year, inspired by the Katogo model.
Among individual winners, I&M Bank Uganda CFO Timothy Musiime emerged as Bank Champion with 38 points, while Januario Mucyo and Josephine Lee took top honors in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively. Side bets went to Maxi Byenkya and Benjamin Mukisa (nearest to the pin), while Sylvie Irakoze and Benjamin Manzi won the longest drive contests.
The day wrapped up in trademark Katogo fashion with an “All White” 19th hole celebration featuring dinner, an open bar, and music that kept golfers dancing deep into the night — proof that for Katogo, the fun truly begins after the final hole.
