NCBA Golf Series 2026 Tees Off in Uganda with Strong Start at Kitante
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series has officially teed off in Uganda, reaffirming its status as East Africa’s premier amateur golf circuit, with a competitive opening round held at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante. Organised by NCBA Bank Uganda, the season opener attracted 220 golfers, including some of the country’s top amateur talents, all vying for […] The post NCBA Golf Series 2026 Tees Off in Uganda with Strong Start at Kitante appeared first on Daily Star.
Black News 
The 2026 NCBA Golf Series has officially teed off in Uganda, reaffirming its status as East Africa’s premier amateur golf circuit, with a competitive opening round held at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.
Organised by NCBA Bank Uganda, the season opener attracted 220 golfers, including some of the country’s top amateur talents, all vying for early bragging rights and a coveted slot at the regional grand finale in Nairobi later this year.
National team player Joseph Cwinyaai emerged as the standout performer of the day, carding a superb two-under 70 to claim overall victory. Playing off a handicap of +3, Cwinyaai edged John Musiimenta by a single stroke in a tightly contested finish, while also topping the men’s Division A category.
Gilbert Asiimwe finished third with a gross score of 75, narrowly beating Aggrey Mutaka on count-back.
In the ladies’ category, Martha Babirye posted the best overall gross score of 77, comfortably ahead of Judith Komugisha, who returned 80.
Ashwin Patel claimed top honours in men’s Division 2 (handicap 13–24) with 62 nett, while Zhang Fangyi led the ladies in the same category with 68 nett. Peter Oola emerged best in men’s Division 3 with a score of 70 nett.
Other winners on the day included Sean Kusasira Nsereko (junior), Raymond Ekwamu (guest), and Olivia Nakuya (staff), posting 80, 66, and 68 nett respectively.
Cwinyaai’s victory secures him one of two all-expenses-paid slots to represent Uganda at the grand finale in Nairobi, scheduled for November at Muthaiga Golf Club. The second slot will be decided during the Entebbe Club qualifier set for October.
The Uganda leg is part of a wider regional circuit spanning 25 courses across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, drawing hundreds of golfers in one of the most anticipated events on the East African golfing calendar.
Speaking at the launch, NCBA Bank Uganda CEO Mark Muyobo underscored the bank’s commitment to developing golf across the region.
“The NCBA Golf Series was created to provide a platform where talent can be discovered, nurtured, and showcased. Over the years, it has grown into a premier competition that continues to elevate the standard of amateur golf in East Africa,” Muyobo said.
He added that the bank remains committed to using sport as a tool for empowerment, noting that the series plays a critical role in unlocking potential and building meaningful connections across the region.
Uganda will host two qualifying events this season, with Kitante setting the pace and Entebbe Club hosting the decisive leg on October 3. Winners from each qualifier will earn a fully sponsored trip to Nairobi, including travel, accommodation, and meals.
Since its inception in 2022, the NCBA Golf Series has evolved into a respected pathway for amateur golfers, blending competition with networking and personal development opportunities.
Uganda’s growing influence on the circuit was evident in the previous edition, where the country fielded its largest-ever contingent of seven players at the grand finale.
Beyond competition, NCBA continues to invest in grassroots development through the Junior Golf Series in partnership with US Kids Golf, nurturing young talent for future regional and international success.
The series also carries a social impact component. This year, NCBA partnered with Pendeza Uganda to distribute water purification systems to 40 vulnerable households in Makerere Kivulu, improving access to safe drinking water.
Uganda Golf Club chairman Paul Nuwagaba welcomed the continued partnership, describing the series as a key fixture on the local calendar.
“This tournament offers our golfers a world-class platform and exposure to regional competition. We are proud to host the opening leg and look forward to more exciting action,” he said.
With the season now underway, attention shifts to the remaining qualifiers as golfers battle for a place among East Africa’s finest at the Nairobi grand finale.
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