Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa, the chief executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda, made a striking re-entry into the golfing scene last weekend at the Stanbic April Mug Challenge, held at the renowned Uganda Golf Club (UGC).
Dressed in Stanbic-branded blue attire, Kalifungwa demonstrated impressive skill and precision on the lush fairways. His inaugural round was marked by outstanding shot-making, positioning him among the top contenders despite his tournament debut.
“I am thrilled to participate in the Stanbic April Mug Challenge here at UGC. This is my second appearance since my appointment, with my first being in Entebbe during the Stanbic Matchplay, where I braved a heavy downpour to clinch the 19th hole,” Kalifungwa shared with excitement.
He further expressed that the tournament is a fantastic opportunity for community engagement and emphasized his commitment to supporting the growth of golf in Uganda.
The Stanbic April Mug Challenge attracted a diverse array of players, ranging from seasoned professionals to promising amateurs. This year-long tournament not only showcases golfing talent but also highlights the crucial role of corporate sponsorships in promoting sports throughout the nation.
During the awards session at the 19th hole, Arthur Kiwanuka, Stanbic’s head of Personal and Private Banking, reiterated the bank’s commitment to investing in golf.
“As a bank, we cherish being a part of our clients’ lives, as Stanbic is more than just a financial institution; it represents a lifestyle. We believe in community engagement and fostering healthy lifestyles through sports, an agenda we don’t plan to drop anytime soon,” Kiwanuka stated.
Paul Charles Rukundo, captain of the Uganda Golf Club, warmly welcomed Kalifungwa, noting that his presence on the course encourages others to recognize golf’s potential as both a sport and community activity.
“Mumba is a serious golfer, and his continued participation and performance amid a busy schedule are reminders of the importance of leadership in nurturing local talent and promoting events that unite communities,” Rukundo remarked.
At the end of the day, Rino Kitimbo was crowned the overall winner of the April Mug after scoring 65 points net. In the men’s categories, Yunus Bbale, Fly Dubai’s Menon Manoj, and Francis Tusiime claimed victories in groups A, B and C, respectively.
In the ladies’ categories, Gloria Mbaguta and the phenomenal Ruth Ssali triumphed, while Martha Babirye and Ruth Muyege finished as runners-up in the first and second groups. The seniors’ category saw Jennifer Apio and Geoffrey Matata leading with scores of 74 and 66 points, respectively.