Showbizuganda

Category: Sports

  • Stanbic Match Play heads into Quarter Finals after Entebbe knock-out stage

    Stanbic Match Play heads into Quarter Finals after Entebbe knock-out stage

    Entebbe: Over the weekend, Entebbe Golf Club hosted Round Three of the 2026 Stanbic Match Play Challenge, a decisive stage for determining the players who will compete during the quarter-finals scheduled for June. Organised by Stanbic Bank Uganda, the annual tournament attracted a total of 159 golfers competing across, both the main event and subsidiary categories, underlining the competition’s growing popularity within Uganda’s golfing community.

    One of players teeing off

    The Stanbic Match Play features pairs competing in a knockout format for major prizes that include cars, fully paid trips, and other high-end items. Following intense competition in Round Three, the quarterfinal lineup has now been confirmed, with eight pairs progressing into what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive phases.

    Arthur Kiwanuka, Stanbic Bank Head of Affluent Banking (extreme Left) with the Matchplay winners at the 19th hole

    Quarterfinal Fixtures Confirmed

    The June quarterfinal stage will feature 16 golfers paired against each other in four high-stakes matchups. Opening Match One will see Tony Kasadha and Richard Mwami face Herbert Kamuntu and Stephen Ojambo in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.

    Match Two pits Stanbic Bank’s IT Infrastructure Manager Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi against the experienced duo of Godfrey Byamugisha and Bob Drani.

    Last year’s biggest contenders Henry Nsubuga and Jonathan Lukyamuzi headline Match Three as they prepare to battle Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi.

    Last year’s winner Stephen Kitamirike handing over an award to Connie Nsemerirwe at the 19th hole. She was one of the Ladies Group A winners

    One of the standout fixtures of the quarterfinals will be Match Four, where the mother-and-daughter combination of Edrea Kagombe and Evelyne Atukunda takes on Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne.

    The pairing of Kagombe and Atukunda has already attracted attention for their strong performances and unique family partnership throughout the tournament.

    Speaking shortly after the quarter final draws, Arthur Kiwanuka, Head of Affluent Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, expressed excitement over the tournament’s continued growth and increasing popularity.

    Entebbe Golf Club Captain Sserwano Walusimbi (L) conducting the quarter final draws with Stanbic’s Arthur Kiwanuka and Uganda Airlines’s Herbert Katungi

    “The tournament has reached its most important stage, and battle lines are now being drawn. As Stanbic Bank, we remain committed to ensuring that the experience both on the course and off the course remains exceptional,” Kiwanuka said.

    He said the growing subscription to the tournament reflects the bank’s broader purpose of supporting communities and shared experiences through sport. He said, “This progress reflects our purpose as Stanbic Bank, because ‘Uganda is our home, and we drive her growth.’”

    Kiwanuka said through the Stanbic Bank FlexiPay platform, golfers will continue enjoying competitive offers at the club all throughout.

    This edition attratced 159 golfers

    Subsidiary Winners Shine

    Beyond the main knockout competition, several golfers also walked away with honours in the subsidiary categories after impressive performances over the weekend. Donald Nyakairu, Matthew Nviri, and Allan Muhereza emerged champions in the Men’s Group C, B, and A categories respectively.

    In the ladies’ categories, Phiona Namanya and Ruth Akello lifted the Group B and Group A titles. Edrea Kagombe continued her impressive outing by clinching the ladies’ nearest-to-the-pin award, while Andrew Baguma claimed the men’s category accolade.

    Bank of Uganda’s Tumubweine Twinemanzi ended his wait for silverware after winning the longest drive award in the men’s section, while Florence Namara topped the ladies’ category.

    The Stanbic Match Play Challenge has steadily evolved into one of Uganda’s premier amateur golf tournaments, attracting corporate executives, seasoned golfers, and emerging talent alike. The competition is expected to culminate in a grand finale in the Month of August, where winners will walk away with lucrative prizes including fully sponsored international trips and other luxury rewards.

    With the quarter final stage now set, attention turns to June, where only four pairs will survive the next knockout battles to move one step closer to the coveted Stanbic Match Play crown.

  • Meet the 201 Schools shortlisted for the Stanbic National Schools Championship Boot Camp

    Meet the 201 Schools shortlisted for the Stanbic National Schools Championship Boot Camp

    Kampala: A list of the 201 schools, taking part in a one week boot camp to kick-start the 11th edition of the Stanbic National Schools Championships (NSC), has been released with participating students converging on Gayaza High School in Wakiso District. Following a rigorous selection process, the boot camp will present participants with an opportunity to get guidance on how to refine their relevant pitches, as well as opportunities for networking and mentorship from various experts in the field to enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities.

    Aerial view of students from different schools attending the 2025 boot camp at Seroma Christian High School

    Diana Ondoga, the Corporate Social Investment Manager at Stanbic Bank said, “Participating schools are provided with toolkits specifically designed to foster these essential skills. The National Schools Championships not only recognizes, but also celebrates outstanding achievements. This event is more than just a competition; it is a transformative experience that equips both teachers and students with the skills and confidence to become the job creators of tomorrow, paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”

    The NSC is a vital part of the bank’s annual CSI program, directly addressing the skills gap by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among Ugandan youth in secondary and vocational schools. Ondoga said beyond teaching business concepts, the NSC is designed to empower students and teachers to become forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators. With a significant portion of Uganda’s population under the age of 24, the statistics indicate an unemployment rate of 83% among this demographic, largely due to a lack of essential skills needed to succeed in the job market.

    A learner interacting during the session

    “At Stanbic Uganda, we are committed to driving the country’s growth. We cannot achieve this if a significant part of the population is left behind. It is therefore important for us to collaborate with other stakeholders to facilitate positive economic change by encouraging the youth to acquire better skills and uplift themselves,” Ondoga said.

    Top schools, teachers, and alumni have the chance to win a combined prize pool of 100 million Ugandan shillings. Last year, Sumayya Girls’ High School in Nsangi was declared the champion.

  • KCB Bank Sponsored Drivers Take on Pearl of Africa Rally as Competition Kicks Off

    KCB Bank Sponsored Drivers Take on Pearl of Africa Rally as Competition Kicks Off

    Mbarara: The dust has officially been stirred in Mbarara as the 2026 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally gets underway. Running from 7th to 9th May, the event has turned Mbarara City into a high-intensity motorsport battleground as crews compete in the second round of both the African Rally Championship (ARC) and the KCB-National Rally Championship (NRC).

    As the main sponsor of the KCB-National Rally Championship (NRC), KCB Bank strategically supports drivers from Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. This investment provides a robust platform for them to showcase exceptional skill, nurture emerging talent, and compete at continental levels, driving long-term professional development in motorsport across the region.

    Leading the KCB Bank contingent is Karan Patel with co-driver Tauseef Khan in the Škoda Fabia R5 alongside Rwanda’s Queen Kalimpinya, with co-driver Olivier Ngabo, Nikhil Sachania with co-driver Deep Patel, Nasser Mutebi with co-driver Steven Bunya, Mike Mukula Junior with co-driver Edward Kiyingi, and Oscar Ntambi with co-driver Asuman Muhammed, who recently secured a first-place finish in the ARC2 category during their WRC debut.

    Championship leader Patel (49 points), followed by Aakif Virani (38), Samman Singh Vohra (37), and Jasmeet Chana (32), anchors a strong presence with 10 entries, including Evans Kavisi/ Absalom Aswani and Joseph Gacheche/Sofia Rantasalo in ARC2.

    Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications at KCB Bank, stated at the flag-off, “At KCB Bank, we believe that the true heartbeat of sports lies in the power of partnership. As the title sponsor of the National Rally Championship, our goal is to fuel the ambitions of our local talent. By standing behind the drivers, we are giving them the platform to transition from local favourites to international competitors.”

    Byuma also added that KCB Bank had streamlined the process for fans to participate by leveraging KCB Pay. She noted that by dialing *244*9# and entering merchant code 125122, supporters could easily secure tickets for UGX 10,000, enabling them to witness the future of Ugandan motorsport firsthand.

    Karan Patel shared his focus, “Psychologically, I am fully prepared, and the car is in optimal condition. We’ve fine-tuned the setup for these specific regional stages.”

    “The Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally continues to play an important role in growing motorsport across the region by attracting top talent and raising the standard of competition. We commend KCB Bank for its continued investment in the championship, which is creating valuable opportunities for local drivers to develop and compete at the continental level,” said a representative from the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU).

    Oscar Ntambi remarked, “Returning to the local stages after our success in the WRC/ARC2 category is a proud moment for us. Asuman Muhammed and I have spent the last few weeks ensuring that the car is perfectly suited for the technical demands of the Mbarara terrain. We are incredibly grateful for the continued backing from KCB Bank, which allows us to compete at this level. Our focus is now entirely on delivering a precise, high-performance drive to ensure we secure vital points for the NRC title race.”

    KCB Bank also reaffirmed its Green Rally initiative, keeping environmental conservation central to its motorsport sponsorships. In partnership with the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), the bank continues to support efforts aimed at ensuring the landscape remains as clean and well-preserved after the rally as it was before the engines roared to life.

  • Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 activations Launched in Jinja City

    Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 activations Launched in Jinja City

    Uganda AIDS Commission together with Village Journeys Africa have kicked off International Candlelight Commemoration Health Camp in Jinja in preparations for the 2026 Uganda AIDS Marathon. Every year communities around the World gather to remember, honour and unite against HIV and also do candlelight in Commemoration of those who have died of HIV/AIDS.

    The health camp at Jinja Central Market carried out HIV tests, HIV counselling and offered vital health information creating awareness in fight against HIV. Together with the Uganda AIDS Commission, the aim is to end AIDS in Uganda by 2030.

    The candlelight also honor mothers, sisters, grand parents supporting those living with HIV. The activation is covering cities across the country. The Uganda AIDS Marathon is due to take place on 29th November 2026.

  • Omunyeeto returns to rally with a bang, set for Pearl of Africa Race

    Omunyeeto returns to rally with a bang, set for Pearl of Africa Race

    Rally ace Ambrose Byona popularly known as Omunyeeto has returned to rallying, we can confirm. He is set to make his return in the Pearl of Africa Rally in Mbarara from 7th – 9th May.

    Ambrose Byona aka Omunyeeto is back for The Pearl of Africa Rally in Mbarara

    Ambrose Byona will be racing in Mitsubishi Evo X with Nantel Susanne as his navigator. Byona return is sponsored by the recently commissioned Yaobai Karamoja Clinker Cement Factory in Moroto.

    Byona told this website that he is ready to show his skills from 7th to 9th in Mbarara. He called on his fans to come and witness it themselves.

  • Musu edges Nte in A Thrilling Airtel Bika Cup 2026 Opener as Tournament Kicks Off in Style

    Musu edges Nte in A Thrilling Airtel Bika Cup 2026 Opener as Tournament Kicks Off in Style

    Over 52 clans to participate in the tournament

    Wankulukulu; The Airtel Bika Cup 2026 burst into life at Wankulukulu, with Musu clan registering a commanding 3–1 victory over Nte in an entertaining opening football encounter. Musu wasted no time stamping their authority on the game, as Nsimbe Martin opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a superb curling effort that nestled into the top right corner, sending the crowd into early celebration.

    The momentum stayed firmly with Musu, and just nine minutes later, Nsibe Badru Gabriel doubled the lead with a powerful header from a well-delivered corner kick. Dominant throughout, Musu continued to press and were rewarded again in the 67th minute, effectively putting the contest beyond reach. Nte managed to pull one back late on, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Musu comfortably saw out the game.

    Earlier, Mmamba clan edged Ngeye clan, further underlining the tournament’s competitive start. Peter Kaye netted the decisive goal to secure all three points for Mmamba in their opening group match.The annual Airtel Bika Tournament remains a flagship grassroots sports initiative that unites clans across Buganda, promoting cultural heritage, social cohesion, and community development.

    This year, over 52 clans are participating across football and netball, with 40 clans competing in the football category. Teams will battle through knockout stages up to the Round of 16, after which they will be grouped into four pools.

    The top sides will then advance to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the grand finale. The competition builds on last year’s dramatic finale, where Ngabi Nsamba clan edged Ndiga clan in a tense penalty shootout to successfully defend the Bika Bya Baganda Football Shield, cementing their status as reigning champions.

    On the netball courts, action also kicked off in a vibrant gala format, with multiple opening-round fixtures delivering exciting performances. Nnyonnyi Nnyange secured a 34–30 victory over Olulyo Olulangira, while Nte dominated Njovu with a commanding 40–00 win.

    Ngeye edged Ngabi Nsamba 26–23 in a closely contested match, as Kkobe narrowly defeated Omutima Omusagi 35–32. Mpindi also impressed with a strong 40–00 triumph over Njaza, highlighting the competitive spirit across the opening games.

    Speaking at the opening match, Airtel Uganda’s Sales Director, Ali Balunywa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives, “We are once again proud to be part of this tournament that brings together the heart of the Buganda Kingdom — its clans. Competitions like the Airtel Bika Cup promote unity and togetherness, values we strongly believe in at Airtel. We are committed to building communities through shared experiences like this.”

    Balunywa added, “As we’ve seen in previous years, the Airtel Bika Tournament is more than just football. It is a platform for young talent to showcase their abilities, with many players going on to join top clubs and even represent Uganda at the national level.”

    The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the opening match, commended the continued partnership with Airtel Uganda and highlighted the cultural significance of the tournament, “We are grateful for partners like Airtel Uganda who consistently support our vision. The Bika Tournament is an embodiment of Buganda’s values of unity, identity, and discipline. Through such platforms, we preserve our heritage and strengthen our communities.”

    Owek. Mayiga called upon the public to actively participate, “I congratulate today’s winners and encourage all Kabaka’s subjects and football lovers to attend the matches in large numbers as we journey towards the finals, where the 2026 Bika champions will ultimately be crowned.”

  • Muhoozi Kainerugaba hails Ugandans for turning up to his 52nd birthday run as Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa represents him

    Muhoozi Kainerugaba hails Ugandans for turning up to his 52nd birthday run as Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa represents him

    The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has said he was honoured to represent his senior brother Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the Chief Runner at his 52nd Birthday Run, as they ran for charity and hope.

    In the speech he delivered on his behalf, Gen. Muhoozi reflected on the journey of this event, from what was once a private celebration to what has now become a national movement that brings Ugandans together for a greater cause.

    He shared how, over the years, encouragement from leaders such as Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Hon. Daudi Kabanda, Hon. LillianAber, and Mr. Andrew Mwenda, among others, as well as from young people, inspired him to open up this milestone to the public, transforming it into a platform for unity, patriotism and service.

    Men this is for you

    He expressed deep gratitude to all Ugandans who turned up in large numbers, noting that their presence demonstrates the strength of our collective spirit. He said the run is not about personal celebration, fame, or recognition but about standing together to support vulnerable and underprivileged children—orphans, street children, and those lacking basic needs such as food, education, and shelter.

    He reminded us that every step taken and every contribution made sends a powerful message to these children: that they are not alone.

    Gen. Muhoozi also paid tribute to the Patriotic League of Uganda for their steadfast and selfless leadership, as well as to the organizers, security agencies, medical teams, volunteers, and all partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success.

    He commended leaders across all sectors—political, religious, cultural, and corporate—for mobilizing communities and supporting this noble cause.

    Most importantly, he thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, his wife and children, Natasha, Diana, Patience, and other family members who have been part of his upbringing and have offered him unwavering support.

    “What a monumental event this has been! Running for charity and hope is one of the most meaningful ways we can uplift those in need. The funds raised through this initiative will have a real and lasting impact on vulnerable communities. Thank you, Gen. Muhoozi, for dedicating your birthday to causes that uplift the hopes of the underprivileged,” Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa said.

  • URSB marks World IP Day 2026 with focus on Sports & Innovation

    URSB marks World IP Day 2026 with focus on Sports & Innovation

    Kampala; The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) joined the global community to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day 2026 under the theme “IP and Sports: Set, Ready, Innovate” at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo. The event brought together policymakers, innovators, students, broadcasters and leaders from Uganda’s sports fraternity to highlight the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in driving innovation, protecting talent, and unlocking economic value in sports.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, emphasised government’s commitment to transforming education through a competence-based curriculum.

    “Government is steadily transitioning to a competence-based curriculum across all levels of education to foster practical, skills-based learning. This shift moves us away from purely theoretical knowledge and directly supports initiatives such as IP in schools, which nurture creativity and innovation from an early stage,” she noted.

    Mr. Robert Kasande, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, commended URSB for its leadership in promoting innovation.

    “A strong legal framework is essential for innovation, and through URSB, the Ministry is ensuring intellectual property systems effectively support Uganda’s economic growth.” he said. The Board Chairman, Rt. Hon. Amb. Francis Butagira, reaffirmed the Bureau’s strategic role in national development “As Uganda advances toward middle-income status, URSB remains committed to strengthening intellectual property systems, empowering creators, and ensuring that innovation translates into sustainable economic growth.” he affirmed.

    Men this is for you

    In her remarks, the Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, reiterated URSB’s commitment to advancing the commercialisation of innovations. “In sports, talent alone is not enough, intellectual property is what turns talent into value. URSB is committed to ensuring athletes, clubs, and creatives can protect, commercialise, and fully benefit from their brands, innovations, and ideas.” she stated.

    Speaking during media interviews at the celebrations, Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, a Canal+ company, he emphasized the role of intellectual property in sustaining the global sports ecosystem.

    “Intellectual property allows athletes, teams and nations to earn from their talent and hard work. When platforms like SuperSport secure rights to major events such as the FIFA World Cup, that investment flows back into the sport, supporting players, clubs and development at every level. When fans watch through legitimate platforms, they are supporting the future of the game,” he said.

    “With the 2026 World Cup ahead, this will be one of the most expansive tournaments yet, with 10 African countries set to participate. We want Ugandans to experience every moment through world-class coverage,” he added.

    The celebrations attracted heads of sports federations under the National Council of Sports, led by Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim, President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), underscoring the growing intersection between sports and intellectual property. The event was climaxed by the University Court Moot Competition, which featured 11 participating universities. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) and Uganda Christian University (UCU) advanced to the finals, showcasing exceptional legal acumen and understanding of intellectual property law.

    World IP Day serves as a platform to raise awareness on the importance of protecting creativity and innovation, particularly in dynamic sectors such as sports where ideas, brands, and talent drive economic value. As Uganda accelerates its innovation journey, URSB remains committed to ensuring that every idea is protected, every creator is empowered, and every innovation counts.

  • Airtel Money Uganda Partners with Virunga Gorilla Marathon to Promote Cashless Payments among Ugandans

    Airtel Money Uganda Partners with Virunga Gorilla Marathon to Promote Cashless Payments among Ugandans

    Kampala: Airtel Money, Uganda’s most affordable and secure financial service, has today announced its partnership with the Virunga Gorilla Marathon as the official and exclusive payment partner, embedding Airtel Money Merchant Pay into the marathon experience. The partnership is aimed at advancing the drive toward a cashless economy through increased adoption of digital payments among Ugandans.

    The Virunga Gorilla Marathon is a prestigious annual event held in the breathtaking Virunga Mountains, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. The marathon is more than a race; it is a platform that promotes ecological conservation, social sustainability, and community development while showcasing the unparalleled beauty of this iconic destination. It reflects the power of sport to inspire change and create lasting impact for both the environment and local communities.

    As part of the partnership, all marathon kit purchases will be made exclusively through Airtel Money Merchant Pay, ensuring convenience, security, and transparency for runners, merchants, and surrounding communities.

    Participants can simply dial *185*9# and follow the prompts, or use the MyAirtel App to purchase their running kits seamlessly.

    Speaking at the partnership launch, the Managing Director of Airtel Money, Japhet Aritho, said, “Today, we take another step in advancing our vision of a cashless economy, one that simplifies transactions and makes them more accessible through digital solutions. At Airtel Money, we believe the future of financial transactions is digital, driven by simplicity, accessibility, and convenience. This partnership brings that vision to life on a trusted and impactful platform,”he added, “This marathon is something to be proud of. It is more than a race; it is a platform that brings people together, promotes tourism, and uplifts communities. At Airtel, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate Uganda’s heritage but also contribute to the well-being of communities and their people.”

    The Virunga Gorilla Marathon will take place on 30th May 2026 and will feature two race categories: the 112km Ultra Marathon and the 42km Full Marathon. Registration fees are UGX 70,000 for Ugandan runners and USD 30 for international participants.Commenting on the partnership, Kenneth Kamukama Rashid team lead for the Virunga Marathon commended Airtel Money for its continued support toward initiatives that drive social impact and community development.

    “We thank Airtel Money for always being innovative and for creating solutions that enhance flexibility and convenience. We believe this partnership will significantly boost kit sales due to its ease of use. It also enables us to improve access to running kits and better track transactions,” he said.

    Kamukama further added, “Our runners will experience an unforgettable challenge as they pass through rainforests, rolling hills, and ancient lava fields, while also engaging with the warmth and hospitality of local communities.”

    “As Airtel Money, we will continue to enable seamless payments, expand access, and drive financial inclusion across Uganda. Together, we are not just powering payments, we are powering progress, inclusion, and a more connected Uganda,” Aritho concluded.

  • Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting at Protea Hotel

    Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting at Protea Hotel

    On 21st April 2026, the elegant halls of Protea Hotel, Kololo hosted a pivotal gathering — the Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting for the upcoming Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026.

    It was organised by Village Journeys Africa in partnership with the Uganda AIDS Commission, the meeting brought together sponsors, partners, and community leaders to align efforts under the marathon’s powerful slogan: “Run For Hope. Act For Life.”

    The breakfast meeting was more than a networking event. it was a forum for collaboration and shared responsibility. Attendees included representatives from government agencies, NGOs, corporate sponsors, and advocacy groups, all united by a common goal — to amplify awareness and action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    Speakers emphasized the importance of collective action. The Uganda AIDS Commission highlighted the strides made in treatment and awareness, while acknowledging persistent challenges.

    Corporate partners pledged support, recognizing the marathon as both a health initiative and a symbol of national unity.

    The event’s atmosphere reflected optimism and determination, with participants committing resources, expertise, and advocacy to ensure the marathon becomes a catalyst for lasting change.

    Uganda continues to make progress in combating HIV/AIDS, but the fight is far from over. The breakfast meeting underscored that the marathon is not just a sporting event. It is a movement to inspire hope, foster resilience, and reinforce the message that every step taken is a step toward life.

    With the breakfast meeting setting the tone, organizers are confident that the Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 will be a landmark event.

    The commitments made at Protea Hotel will fuel preparations, ensuring that when runners take to the streets, they carry with them the strength of a united nation.