Stanbic Bank Tees Off Festive Season with Launch of Annual Junior Golf Tourney
KAMPALA: Stanbic Bank has officially been unveiled as the anchor sponsor of the inaugural Annual Junior Golf Championship, set to tee off on December 14 at the Uganda Golf Club, with sponsorship worth approximately UGX 25 million.
Held under the theme “Championing the Future of Golf in Uganda,” the championship is supported by the Uganda Golf Union, Uganda Golf Club, Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU), and Harris International. The tournament has attracted about 128 junior golfers aged between 10 and 19 years.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Thursday, Mr. Arthur Kiwanuka, Head of Affluent Banking at Stanbic Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing commitment to sports development in Uganda.
“We are proud to be long-standing supporters of sports development in this country. For many years, we have been at the forefront of nurturing Ugandan talent, and this commitment is strongly reflected in the game of golf,” Kiwanuka said.
He highlighted Stanbic Bank’s involvement in major golf events such as the Entebbe Golf Open, Uganda Golf Club Monthly Mug, Watoto Charity Golf Tournament, Stanbic Matchplay, among others, describing them as evidence of the bank’s belief in the transformative power of sport.
“Today, we extend this commitment to the next generation through the Annual Junior Golf Championship. This initiative is deeply rooted in our purpose ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth,’” he added.
Referring to the bank’s new brand campaign, “Keep Growing,” Kiwanuka said Stanbic Bank is renewing its pledge to support Ugandans at every stage of their financial journey, impacting women, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
“Beyond golf, our support extends to football, rugby, basketball, athletics, and marathons because sport is not just a co-curricular activity. It is a cornerstone that drives social and economic transformation, builds communities, fosters teamwork, and shapes leaders,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, ULGU President Ms. Rita Akot Apell explained that the championship will feature three competitive and developmental categories.
“The main category will be for juniors with official handicaps who have been actively playing the game. We have also introduced a second category for boys and girls who are new to golf, to allow them to gain experience. We are particularly excited about this category,” she said.
She added that a youth category for players aged 13 to 35 years has also been introduced to recognize the growing interest in golf among young adults. The championships will further include a subsidiary event for youth aged 19 to 35 years.
Ms. Akot Apell emphasized that the championship is intended to be an annual event, with plans to elevate it to a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) tournament next year.
“Next year, we hope it will be a world amateur round event where juniors will play for three days, 54 holes, and get ranked. This is not a one-off event, and we are all excited about this partnership,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Camila Wangoi, Connections Lead at Harris International, commended parents for supporting their children’s participation in the sport.
“Golf is not a cheap sport, but believing in these children and instilling an early love for the game is truly commendable,” Wangoi said.
