Team Kyaayi Mukalu shines at Katogo Golf Series

Mukasa Mulema and Abbas Luyombo, playing under the moniker ‘Team Kyaayi Mukalu,’ carded 40 points to win the second leg of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series at Entebbe Club on Saturday.

The winners edged the ‘Eagles and Birdies,’ comprised of John Paul Namoma and Jonathan Lukyamuzi, who finished second, by three strokes to claim two Rwandair tickets, GA Insurance hampers, and DStv jumpers, football jerseys, and sports bottles.

The runners-up edged the Bombers (Twijukye Kiirarira/Richard Mucunguzi) on count-back after they also returned 37 points. Maxie Muwonge/Andrew Ssekibejja (Team MASSE) were the third runners-up, while team Kiwedde (Moses Ssebugwawo/Charles Odere) finished fifth overall, having managed 36 points.

In the ladies’ division, the Hot Birdies & Bling (Edith Wamalwa/Anne Abeja) also won it with 37 points, taking home similar goodies on top of winning a weekend for two at Kampala Serena Hotel. They were followed by the ‘Slice n Dice’ (Esther Aganyira/Florence Namara) and the ‘Sexy Divas’ (Evelyne Atukunda/Charity Tushabomwe), who carded 36 and 34 points, respectively, in the event that attracted 132 golfers (66 pairs).

Played under the "For Better or Worse" format of play, the edition came with a surprise that excited every golfer that attended the 19th hole experience.

Like they had promised earlier, the title sponsors lit the 18th hole fairway by installing 22 solar-powered floodlights, right from the tee box, all through the fairway, till the 18th green. The decision to enhance the course lighting was inspired by the observation that on most days when the course sees a large number of golfers, many struggle to complete their round on the 18th hole as it gets dark. With the newly illuminated fairway and green, golfers will now be able to finish their rounds even after sunset.

To unveil the well-lit 18th hole fairway, 15 male golfers and 5 ladies took part in a one-shot challenge under the new lights. The challenge teed off around 7:30pm, and players had to tee their balls straight to the green. Only those whose balls landed on the green from 250 and 200 yards for the men and ladies, respectively, were allowed to putt and hole out. Lady golfer Peace Hellen emerged the winner of the challenge with fewer strokes and received a reward of sh500,000 from I&M Bank.

The bank’s CEO, Robin Bairstow, said the bank was happy to light up the 18th hole, highlighting that it will go a long way in enhancing the golfing experience for players at Entebbe Club.

"As you all remember, the last time we were here, we promised to light up the 18th hole; right from the tee box, all through the fairway, up to the greens. I am happy to share that we have delivered on our promise. You now don’t have to rush through your last hole when it gets dark. Whether you're chasing a birdie, or simply soaking in the beauty of the game, we’ve ensured that your experience remains uninterrupted," Bairstow said.

I&M Bank Marketing and Corporate Communications boss Annette Nakiyaga told golfers that 2025 will include a Rwanda leg that has been confirmed for November this year. "We held our first cross-border leg at Limuru Country Club in Kenya last year, and this year we are heading to Kigali for yet another exciting regional leg. This series is not just about golf; it’s about building friendships, promoting regional integration, and giving our golfers unforgettable experiences across borders. Kigali promises new challenges, new scenery, and a chance to grow the Katogo spirit beyond Uganda’s fairways. We can’t wait to tee off in Rwanda,” she said.

Meanwhile, the series continued its corporate social responsibility (CSR) trajectory, this time round supporting one of Uganda’s top lady professional golfers, Irene Nakalembe, with $1500 (sh5.4m) ahead of her international engagements in Kinshasa and Accra.

The 19th hole experience, hosted by renowned comedian Patrick Idringi Salvador, was a vibrant climax to the day’s action. Most golfers and guests adhered to the football jerseys dress code and enjoyed the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan, which was screened live on the giant screens, courtesy of DStv.

The golf series is sponsored by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance Rwanda Air, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Fenon Events, Goldman’s Luxury, Case Hospital, and Time Cop Security.