Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | NCBA Bank, in collaboration with the Jinja Golf Club, took the NCBA Golf Series to Jinja on Aug.3, aimed at inspiring greatness in Uganda’s golfing fraternity. The bank also seized the opportunity to emphasize its comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at combating climate change and preserving Uganda’s natural ecosystems by mobilizing golfers to plant 100 trees along the golf course.
The NCBA Golf series, now in its fourth annual edition, is set to be bigger and more thrilling than ever before. Spanning across golf clubs in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, the NCBA Golf Series will solidify its position as the premier golfing event in East Africa.
Mark Muyobo, the NCBA bank chief executive said, “Today, we celebrate greatness. Our unwavering commitment to supporting golf stems from our belief in greatness, and that belief inspires everything we do. We encourage all participants to continue pursuing greatness as we journey through this exciting Series.”
He said the tournament, which has previously only been held in Kampala and Entebbe in Uganda has now been extended to Jinja Club in a bid to reach more golfers across the country and promote the development of the game in line with NCBA’s commitment to regional sport development and community empowerment.
The winners
In the ladies’ category, Lillian Koowe won with 43 points in Division One, Patricia Nakasi won with 35 points in Division Two and Olivia Nakuya won with 33 points in Division Three.
In the men’s category, Brian Omeda won with 40 points in Division One, Bernard Mbayo got 40 points and won in Division Two while, Renato Kania bagged 40 points and won in Division Three.
Meanwhile, Gadre Shashank won in the Junior category (no points allocated). In the staff category, Mark Muyobo won with 41 points.
In the guest category, Edrae Kagomba won for ladies (31 points) and David Odhiama won in the men category with 36 points.
The winners of the Golf Series have an opportunity to enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Nairobi to battle for supremacy in the NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale facing competition from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
“Both the Men and Lady Winners of the NCBA Golf Series will be flown down to Nairobi to compete in the Grand Finale in November. This will allow them to test themselves against competition from the region and further develop their game”.
Muyobo, also said that through the NCBA “Change the Story” initiative, which is the bank’s flagship sustainability project, NCBA aims to minimize its direct impact on the climate while executing an elaborate tree planting program. In line with this endeavor, golfers playing in the NCBA Golf Series planted 100 trees at the Jinja Golf Course.
“Tree planting is integral to combating climate change and preserving our natural ecosystems. Our tree-growing activities yield tangible and lasting benefits, including carbon sequestration, employee engagement, and community empowerment,” he said. Muyobo challenged Ugandan golfers to continue with the spirit of the game and also reflect on the challenges posed by climate change, identifying and implementing solutions that protect and restore nature.