Entebbe: Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi produced a stunning comeback during a dramatic sudden-death playoff to win the 2026 Stanbic Entebbe Match Play Championship, with the bank announcing a renewal of its sponsorship partnership with this prestigious tournament. The duo defeated former finalists Richard Mwami and Tony Kisadha on the 21st hole emerging as winners in one the most thrilling finals in the tournament’s history. It brought to a close five months of often fierce competition that attracted some of the country’s finest amateur golfers.
Played over the par-71 lakeside course at Entebbe Golf Club, the championship match swung dramatically between the two pairs. Kacungira and Katutsi established early control and went 2-up after the ninth hole, but Mwami and Kisadha mounted a spirited comeback, gradually erasing the deficit and taking the lead heading into the closing holes. With defeat looming, Kacungira produced a brilliant shot on the 18th hole to force the contest into sudden death. The playoff extended over three extra holes before Kacungira and Katutsi secured the decisive victory on the 21st hole, claiming their maiden Stanbic Match Play title.
The victory earned the champions a premium winners’ package that includes a fully paid trip to the DP Tour Championship in Dubai, a Stanbic Infinite Card, a free UGX investment account with an initial deposit of UGX500,000, and Stanbic MediProtect insurance cover for the whole year, among other rewards from partners including Johnnie Walker and CFAO Motors.
The second and third placed winners received a pair of air tickets to Johannesburg and Mombasa respectfully courtesy of Uganda Airlines.
Speaking after the victory, Sam Kacungira described their win as the biggest achievement of his golfing career. “This was one of the toughest matches we have ever played. We had the momentum early, then lost it, and had to fight our way back. The 18th hole gave us a second chance, and we knew we could not waste it,” he said. His playing partner Vincent Katutsi credited teamwork and resilience for the victory. He acknowledged the fact they were facing a very strong team that had even reached the finals in the 2024 matchplay but only to get beaten by the ladies duo of Lillian Koowe/Joyce Kisembo.
Katutsi said, “Richard and Tony are outstanding golfers, and they pushed us all the way. We stayed patient, trusted each other, and kept believing even when we were behind. This victory means a lot to us because of the quality of the competition and the history of this tournament.”
Mwami said the final showcased the quality and competitiveness of Ugandan golf. “We gave everything we had and came very close. Sometimes golf is decided by a single shot, and today they executed better in the playoff. We congratulate Sam and Vincent, because they earned the victory,” he said.
During the awards ceremony, Ronald Makata, Chief Financial Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda, congratulated both teams for delivering a final worthy of the tournament’s stature. Makata also announced that Stanbic Bank Uganda will renew its sponsorship partnership with the Entebbe Match Play Tournament, reaffirming the bank’s long-term commitment to the competition and the broader golfing community.
“While we enjoy this wonderful game on this beautiful course, we are also conscious of the wider responsibility we have to the communities around us. At Stanbic, we are asking ourselves how we can use the green to create opportunities beyond the green,” Makata said.
He said Uganda continues to face challenges including youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and livelihood constraints, but also presents enormous opportunities for growth and transformation. Makata said Stanbic, which is celebrating 35 years of operations in Uganda, is focusing on using strategic partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth.
“We are in it for the long game. This renewed partnership reflects our belief that sport can build relationships, create opportunities, and contribute to a more prosperous society,” he said.Through implementation of the Positive Impact Agenda, the bank has committed to investing up to UGX 1 trillion through strategic partnerships by 2028, with a focus on financial inclusion, job creation, climate resilience, and livelihood opportunities for women, youth, and farmers. The finals also featured two debutants against two experienced finalists. Kacungira and Katutsi reached the championship match after defeating Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne 5&4, while Mwami and Kisadha advanced after a hard-fought victory over Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi on the second extra hole.
Past Winners
2017: Isaac Mariera/John Muchiri
2018: Shiela Kesiime/Peace Kabaswek
2019: Richard Lutwama/Robert Busingye
2020: Innocent Nahabwe/Luwum Adoch
2021: COVID-19 affected
2022: Dr Patrick Ndase/Philemon Akatuhurira
2023: Richard Mucunguzi/Saidi Kirarira
2024: Lillian Koowe/Joyce Kisembo
2025: Charles Kabunga/Steven Kitamirike
2026: Vicent Katusti/Sam Kacungira
