Centenary Bank has emerged the overall winner of the 2026 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala, organised by the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) in partnership with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA).
A total of 31 financial institutions participated in this year’s gala, which was launched on August 13 under the theme “Together Towards Greatness.”
The month-long event featured a range of activities, including indoor games, daily fitness walks, golf and outdoor games, with the final outdoor competitions held at Kyambogo University playgrounds.
Equity Bank finished as the first runner-up, while Bank of Uganda took the second runner-up position.
Speaking at the conclusion of the gala, UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde said the event demonstrated the role of sport in strengthening relationships and promoting unity across the financial services sector.
“The Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala has once again demonstrated the power of sport in bringing people together. Beyond the competition, this Gala has created opportunities for colleagues from different financial institutions to interact, build friendships and strengthen professional networks,” Masadde said.
She said the participation of 31 institutions demonstrated the sector’s commitment to coming together beyond the workplace through activities that promote teamwork and wellbeing.
Masadde also emphasized the importance of employee wellbeing in building productive, resilient and engaged organisations.
“Our people are at the heart of the banking and financial services sector. Creating opportunities for them to connect, recharge and participate in healthy activities contributes to stronger workplace relationships and a more engaged industry,” she said.
The Chairperson of the UIBFS Board and Managing Director of Diamond Trust Bank, Godfrey Ssebaana, said the gala demonstrated the value of collaboration across the financial services sector.
He said the theme, “Together Towards Greatness,” reflected the importance of institutions working together to strengthen the industry.
“No institution operates in isolation. Our financial services industry grows stronger when its people have opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” Ssebaana said.
Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego thanked UIBFS for organizing the gala annually, saying it gives banking and financial services staff an opportunity to interact with colleagues and peers outside their normal workplace environment.
He said employees in the sector face demanding responsibilities, including processing loan applications and managing loan defaulters, making it important for them to take time away from their desks to refresh, network and strengthen team spirit.
Atingi-Ego urged players in the banking and financial services sector to work towards the common goal of driving Uganda’s economic transformation and achieving the country’s tenfold growth ambition.
Closing the gala, Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Augustus Nuwagaba encouraged participants to carry forward the spirit of collaboration, wellness and excellence demonstrated during the games.
He said greater achievements can be realised when institutions work with commitment, purpose and solidarity.
Some of the winners and outstanding performers from the gala will also be recognized at the Annual Bankers’ Awards scheduled for November 20, 2026.
