KAMPALA, Uganda– Cheers echoed across the Entebbe Golf Club greens on Saturday when senior golfers, Charles Kabunga and Steven Kitamirike, clinched the championship title of the Stanbic Entebbe Match Play 2025, with a commanding 3/1 win over the formidable duo of Henry Nsubuga and Picole Lukyamuzi.
Speaking at the crowning ceremony in the clubhouse, Stephen Kitamirike dedicated their win to all the golfers who pushed each other hard and raised the standards of game in Uganda.
He said, “I want to thank my partner, our opponents, and the entire Entebbe golfing family and our great sponsor Stanbic Bank for making this journey so special. This tournament has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
He said, “From day one, we came in determined to play our best golf, and I’m proud that Charles and I stayed focused right through to the final putt. Winning the Match Play title and being recognized for the Heroics of the Season is a memory I’ll carry for a lifetime,” Kitamirike said.
The grand finale marked the close of a thrilling seven-month golfing journey that began on February 8, featuring 169 players battling it out in one of Uganda’s most prestigious amateur golf tournaments.
Topping the day’s action, celebrated guitarist, Myco Ouma and a back-up band, entertained the golfers and guests, who included Stanbic Bank Chief Executive, Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, a skilled player in his own right.
Mumba said the nine months tournament showcased incredible talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable camaraderie on the historic Entebbe course.
The individual category winners in the men’s division were Ivan Arinaitwe who topped Group A with 40 points, while Musa Baguma claimed Group B with 43 points. Ssubi Kiwanuka won Group C with 40 points.
For the ladies, Daniella Kawalya edged out the competition in Group A with 39 points. Flora Ihunde Namara dominated Group B with 42 points, and multi-awards, winner Berna Musanabera took the Longest Drive (Ladies) award as well as being named Subsidiary Player of the Season.
Golf Meets Philanthropy.
In this year’s tournament, Stanbic Bank included a philanthropic element. For every match played, UGX 10,000 from the green fees was earmarked to purchase life-saving medical equipment for the Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital.
Mumba said, “Beyond banking, Stanbic has over the years been described as one of the biggest philanthropists and I’m proud to say that in fulfillment of our purpose ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth’, we are going to double all the money collected in this campaign so that we can handover a significant package for our people of Entebbe.”
He said this charitable element aligned seamlessly with Stanbic’s broader campaign which is currently running, ‘Kya Double With SupaDupa’. It rewards customers and clients when they actively transact on various Stanbic platforms.
Special awards were also given out for exceptional moments throughout the season. The Best Dressed Pair award went to Casper Tevin Okiru and Ronald Osekeny.
The Match Play Heroics of the Season for men was claimed by Steven Kitamirike following a dominant 7/6 victory in an earlier round. The Challenge of the Season award went to the gripping contest between Mukasa/Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Katwebaze/Atukunda.
In the final placements, John Paul Basabose and Kin Kariisa secured third place with a 4/3 win, while Ellis Katwebaze and Evelyne Atukunda settled for fourth. In the seniors’ category, Absorom Nabisiima emerged victorious with 37 points on count-back.
The Stanbic Bank, Head of Private Banking, Arthur Kiwanuka paid tribute to the sponsors and partners whose support elevated the tournament’s scale and experience.
“Uganda Airlines, CFAO Mobility, DStv Uganda, and Uganda Breweries Limited, you’ve helped us grow the golfing community. Thank you for making this a resounding success,” Kiwanuka said.
He also used the platform to announce the dates for the Stanbic Entebbe Open which will take place during the Independence week between October 4th and 9th 2025. It will feature both professionals and amateur golfers from across the continent.
