Kacungira, Katutsi triumph as Stanbic renews Entebbe golf deal

Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi staged a dramatic comeback to win the 2026 Stanbic Entebbe Match Play Championship, as Stanbic Bank Uganda announced the renewal of its sponsorship of the tournament.

The pair defeated Richard Mwami and Tony Kisadha on the 21st hole in a sudden-death playoff, capping a thrilling final that brought to a close five months of competition at Entebbe Golf Club.

Kacungira and Katutsi appeared in control early, going 2-up after nine holes on the par-71 lakeside course. However, Mwami and Kisadha fought back to overturn the deficit and take the lead heading into the closing stages.

With defeat looming, Kacungira forced a playoff with a decisive shot on the 18th hole, before the duo sealed victory after three extra holes. The win earned them their maiden Stanbic Match Play title.

Speaking after the match, Kacungira described the victory as the biggest of his golfing career.

“This was one of the toughest matches we have ever played. We had the momentum early, then lost it, and had to fight our way back. The 18th hole gave us a second chance,” he said.

Katutsi attributed the win to teamwork and resilience, noting the strength of their opponents, who were former finalists.

“We stayed patient, trusted each other and kept believing even when we were behind,” he said.

Mwami said the final highlighted the competitiveness of Ugandan golf.

“Sometimes golf is decided by a single shot, and today they executed better in the playoff. We congratulate them because they earned it,” he said.

The champions walked away with a package that includes a fully paid trip to the DP Tour Championship in Dubai, a Stanbic Infinite Card, a Shs 500,000 investment account and a year’s MediProtect insurance cover, among other prizes.

The second- and third-placed teams received air tickets to Johannesburg and Mombasa, respectively, courtesy of Uganda Airlines.

During the awards ceremony, Stanbic Bank Uganda chief financial officer Ronald Makata confirmed the bank will continue sponsoring the tournament, reaffirming its long-term commitment to golf.

“We are in it for the long game. This renewed partnership reflects our belief that sport can build relationships, create opportunities and contribute to a more prosperous society,” Makata said.

He added that Stanbic is leveraging partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth, particularly as the bank marks 35 years of operations in Uganda.

Through its Positive Impact Agenda, the bank has committed to invest up to Shs 1 trillion by 2028 in areas including financial inclusion, job creation, climate resilience and support for women, youth and farmers.

Kacungira and Katutsi reached the final after defeating Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne 5&4, while Mwami and Kisadha advanced after overcoming Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi in a playoff.

The Entebbe Match Play Championship is one of Uganda’s premier amateur golf tournaments, attracting top players from across the country.

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