KAMPALA : This year’s Annual bankers’ sports Gala under the theme “Wellness is our agenda” started on Friday 27th September, with Golf sport that attracted hundreds of participants from different financial institutions.
The Gala is an initiative of Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers’ Association .
Speaking during the event launch at Kampala Golf club, the CEO of UIBFS, Mrs. Masadde Goretti said that the Annual Bankers Sports Gala is a platform that brings together bankers from various financial Institutions to engage in friendly competition, foster networking, and build relationships beyond the boardroom. “It is through these interactions that we strengthen our bonds, share knowledge, and inspire each other to achieve greater heights in our respective fields”.
“We are excited today to have yet another annual bankers sports gala. Well, this year, our theme is “ wellness is our agenda.” Ms. Masadde said, adding that wellness is critical these days, people go through a lot of stress, bankers in particular sit a lot, and sitting has many risks, usually this is where you get obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases coming out from arises of accumulation of fats.
“We also know that stress is a killer these days, and at usually when you exercise, you get an opportunity to improve your immunity and enable your body to fight these lifestyle diseases. We also believe that through sports, you get an opportunity to increase or expand your network. You get an opportunity to speak to the client, hear challenges, and therefore be able to come up with creative solutions”. She added .
She further said that “This year , we continue to have the 30-day sports fitness challenge where we ask every participant to either walk or move for 3KM every day consistently for these 30 days”The activities started with a Fitness Challenge on 2nd September 2024 which had over 1,500 participants from 28 Member Banks. In this challenge, participants are being tasked with completing 5000 steps per day consistently for a period of one month”.
“The Gala has officially been launched today 27th September 2024, at Uganda Golf Course and part of the activities is the CEO/ExCo Golf Tournament which has brought on board 100 CEOs/ Executives. The tournament focuses on fostering camaraderie and friendly competition among the participating banks’ CEOs”. She noted.
She added that the CEO/Exco Golf Tournament, now in its second edition, is a testament to the success of this vision. Golf, as a sport, embodies the precision, patience, and perseverance that are also essential in the corporate world.
Council member, Mr. Mark Muyobo, MD of NCBA Bank Uganda who represented the Board Chair, Mr. Michael Mugabi expressed that the Sports Gala is in line with the Institute’s mandate to become a Centre of excellence in financial services training. “As an Institute, our role goes beyond providing education and training. We are here to foster a sense of unity within the banking community, to build networks that transcend individual institutions, and to promote a culture of continuous improvement,” he said.
The event was graced by the Dr. Tumubweinee Twinemanzi- ED National payments, Bank of Uganda.
In his remarks, he expressed his gratitude to see the banking community come together beyond boardrooms and spreadsheets to showcase teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.
“As l launch the 2024 Banker’s Gala, allow me to draw your attention to the CEO/ EXCO Golf Tournament happening today. Just as a skilled golfer must navigate the twists and turns of the course, bankers must navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. Both require strategy, precision, and a deep understanding of the terrain”. He said.
“He added, today’s tournament brings together some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the banking industry. Your work not only shapes the financial futures of individuals and organizations but also contributes to the economic vitality of our communities”. He further said.
The CEO Golf Tournament will concluded with an awarding evening dinner and several participants were awarded.
The annual bankers’ gala continues today 28th September, with an online quiz and then a Swimming Challenge is on tomorrow Sunday, 29th September at Hotel Africana.
Other games indoor games which include volleyball, netball, pool table, chess, badminton, table tennis and darts shall happen on 13th October 2024 at MTN Arena, Lugogo while outdoor games which include athletic, football, basketball, tug of war, sack race, bottle balancing and CEO/ EXCO 100M race walk shall happen on 20 October 2024.
The sponsors of the event included: Bank of Uganda, Equity Bank, KCB, CCare Uganda, and Sky ReInsurance Brokers Ltd and participating Centenary Bank, Citi, ABSA, Bank of Baroda, GTCO, NCBA, Cairo Bank, Pride Microfinance, DTB, Ugafode, Bank of Africa, Tropical Bank, I & M Bank, UDB, Stanbic, Post Bank, Eco Bank, UBA, Standard Charterd Bank, EXIM and Opportunity Bank;
About the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS):
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (formerly The Uganda Institute of Bankers) was established in 1990 as the training and certification body for the banking and financial services industry in Uganda. Prior to its incorporation as an autonomous entity (1967 – 1989), it had the status of a Local
Centre of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London (now London Institute of Banking & Finance).
The Institute is affiliated to several institutions and bodies involved in the provision, promotion and regulation of banking and finance education. The Institute is a member of the Alliance of African Institutes of Bankers (AAIOB), Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBEStB) and maintains collaborations with several training institutions including Makerere University (ranked among top ten in Africa), the London Institute of Banking & Finance, Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and ACI -FMA among others.
