Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA), successfully hosted the 2025 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala under the theme “Beyond the Finish Line.”
The month-long celebration of fitness, teamwork, and wellness brought together staff from 29 financial institutions, highlighting the industry’s commitment to holistic well-being and collaboration beyond the office.
Kick-Off: 30-Day Fitness Challenge
The Gala began on September 5, 2025, with a 30-day fitness challenge at the UBA offices. Participants were tasked with completing 5,000 steps daily for 30 days to earn medals and points for their respective banks.
Out of 1,885 registered participants, 734 successfully completed the challenge.
Golf Challenge Highlights
The next major event was the CEO Golf Challenge, held on September 25 at the Uganda Golf Club.
Bank of Uganda emerged as the overall winner with 138 points, followed by Equity Bank (134 points) and NCBA Bank (120 points).
In the individual categories, Ms. Patience Musiime (Bank of Uganda) won the Ladies’ category with 34 points, while Mr. Samuel Bulenzi (Stanbic Bank) triumphed in the Men’s category with 42 points.
Quiz and Swimming Competitions
The gala’s intellectual and aquatic events were held on September 27 (virtual quiz) and October 5 (swimming challenge at Hotel Africana).
Quiz Results:
- DFCU Bank — Winners
- Finance Trust Bank — Second Place
- Bank of Uganda — Third Place
Swimming Challenge Results:
- DFCU Bank — Winners
- Ecobank — Second Place
- Bank of Uganda — Third Place
Indoor Games at Lugogo Sports Arena
On October 19, bankers competed in a range of indoor games at the Lugogo Sports Arena, including table tennis, badminton, darts, pool, chess, netball, and volleyball.
Top Performers by Game:
Table Tennis: 1) Finance Trust Bank 2) Bank of Baroda 3) Centenary Bank
Badminton: 1) Bank of Uganda 2) Centenary Bank 3) Bank of Baroda
Darts: 1) Bank of Uganda 2) Housing Finance Bank 3) Bank of Africa
Pool: 1) Diamond Trust Bank 2) ABSA Bank 3) Housing Finance Bank
Chess: 1) Bank of Uganda 2) ABSA Bank 3) KCB
Netball: 1) Diamond Trust Bank 2) Pride Bank 3) Centenary Bank
Volleyball: 1) Diamond Trust Bank 2) Equity Bank 3) NCBA
The Grand Finale at Kyambogo University
The final day featured exciting outdoor events — basketball, football, tug-of-war, sprints, sack races, relays, the CEO Walk Race, and even bottle balancing.
Distinguished guests included Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, who commended the initiative for promoting physical and mental wellness among financial sector professionals.
UIBFS Board Chair Mr. Michael K. Mugabi and CEO Mrs. Goretti Masadde both encouraged participants to maintain active lifestyles “beyond the finish line,” echoing the year’s theme.
Outdoor Game Results
Basketball: 1) I&M Bank 2) Centenary Bank 3) Stanbic Bank
Tug of War: 1) Centenary Bank 2) Equity Bank 3) FINCA Bank
Football: 1) Housing Finance Bank 2) Diamond Trust Bank 3) Post Bank
Overall Gala Champions
After tallying points from all events, the 2025 Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala concluded with:
- Diamond Trust Bank — 855 points
- Bank of Uganda — 795 points
- Equity Bank — 705 points
A total of 29 institutions participated, including major banks such as Stanbic, DFCU, Centenary, ABSA, and Standard Chartered Bank, among others.
