The fourth edition of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series was launched on Tuesday at the I&M Bank head office at Kingdom Kampala, with organisers confirming a Shs 796 million sponsorship package for the 2026 season. The figure represents a Shs 146 million increase from the 2025 sponsorship.
The series tees off on March 14 at Entebbe Club, where organisers expect a full course. The calendar includes quarterly events on May 30 and August 8 before the grand finale on November 28.
Speaking at the launch, I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow said the previous season raised the bar in participation and competition.
“The growth in participation, the level of competition, and the overall experience, showed that this tournament continues to get bigger and better,” Bairstow said.
He confirmed the series will retain its regional outlook after hosting a cross border leg in Kigali last year.
“Last year, we expanded our regional footprint with another cross-border leg in Kigali. This year, we will maintain that outlook not only traveling outside the country for another leg, but we shall host foreign golfers here at home,” he added.
Bairstow said the bank remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly through its Education and Skills Development pillar.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa thanked sponsors and golfers for their continued support and promised a stronger season.
“We are honored to work with partners who each play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of this tournament. As we build on our achievements, we must maintain high standards and continue meeting the expectations of all participant. Golfers should expect a 2026 season like no other before,” Mukasa said.
Tournament Director Paul Kaheru unveiled a revised competition structure for 2026, introducing one new format while retaining three established ones.
The new format, titled ‘It’s Up To Me’, is an individual contest. After all players tee off, one designated player in each group selects the position for the second shot and determines where the rest of the group must play from. Only the second shot is controlled. If an out of bounds ball is chosen, affected players must return to the tee for their third shot. Winners will be determined by the lowest nett scores.
The second round will feature the returning ‘Call Your Shots’ format, where players must declare the clubs they intend to use on each hole before teeing off and each club must be used at least once.
The third leg will adopt ‘Tee For Me’, a pairs event without mixed pairs. Both players tee off, switch balls for the second shot, and continue with that ball until it is holed.
The grand finale will be played under the ‘Double Bogey Danger’ format, previously used in the 2024 finals. Players start with a full set of clubs, but every double bogey or worse requires them to remove one club of their choice. A club can only be reinstated after scoring par or better.
Excitement around the opening leg has increased following lady golfer Berna Musanabera’s hole in one win at the same venue on February 14. A zero mileage Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, courtesy of Victoria Motors and insured by GA Insurance, will again be on offer.
Johnnie Walker Uganda will manage the 19th hole experience with cocktails and bottle offers.
I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Annette Nakiyaga said the tournament’s growth has been driven by collaboration.
“At I&M Bank, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond banking, just as golf challenges and inspires players both on and off the course. This season, together with our partners, we aim to deliver unforgettable moments for golfers and guests alike at every outing,” she said.
The 2026 series is supported by RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, NBS Sport, Case Hospital, Time Cop Security, Fenon Events and Goldman’s Luxury.
