The race for the 2026 Stanbic Matchplay Challenge title has narrowed to four teams following a fiercely contested quarter- final round at Entebbe Golf Club.
More than 100 golfers participated in the tournament across the main and subsidiary categories, underlining the growing popularity and competitiveness of golf in Uganda. The quarter- finals produced gripping encounters that set up two intriguing semi-final clashes scheduled for July 11.
Tony Kisadha and Richard Mwami secured their place in the last four after overcoming Herbert Kamuntu and Stephen Otimabo. They will now face Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi, who advanced with a hard-fought victory over Bob Drani and Geoffrey Byamukama.
In the other semi-final, Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi will take on Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne. Kacungira and Katutsi booked their spot by defeating Henry Nsubuga and Jonathan Lukyamuzi, while Pulle and Monne ended the impressive run of ladies’ pair Edrea Kagombe and Evelyne Atukunda with a commanding 5&4 victory.
The defeat marked the end of the road for Kagombe and Atukunda and ensured that, for the second successive edition, no female golfers progressed beyond the quarter-final stage of the prestigious competition.
Speaking after the quarter-finals, Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Information Officer Ritah Apell praised the continued growth of golf in the country and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sports development.
“The increasing participation and competitiveness we continue to witness in this tournament is a clear indication that golf is growing steadily in Uganda. At Stanbic Bank, we believe sport is a powerful platform for building communities, nurturing talent and promoting healthy lifestyles. Our continued support for golf and other sporting disciplines is aligned with our purpose of driving Uganda’s growth because Uganda is our home and we drive her growth,” Apell said.
For semi-finalist Vincent Katutsi, reaching the last four was a reward for months of dedication and preparation.
“Every team that has reached this stage deserves to be here. The competition has been intense from the opening rounds, and we know the semi-finals will be even tougher. We are focused on maintaining our momentum and giving our best performance. We appreciate Stanbic Bank and Entebbe Golf Club for creating such an excellent platform that continues to develop the game,” Katutsi said.
Away from the main draw, the subsidiary competitions delivered their own highlights. Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa was among the participants, reflecting the bank’s continued support for the sport.
Entebbe Golf Club Captain Sserwano Walusimbi featured among the notable performers, while Peace Kabasweka claimed the Longest Drive award. Club Vice Captain Peter Magona also enjoyed a successful outing, finishing among the winners in the subsidiary categories.
Anne Abejja and Bennet Akampa showcased remarkable precision to win the Nearest-to-the-Pin awards, while Maxie Byenja and Ruth Akello topped the Ladies Group B and Group A categories with 36 and 39 points respectively. In the men’s divisions, Arnold Katwesigye won Group C, Samson Agumire triumphed in Group B, and Ali Juuko claimed top honours in Group A.
Other standout performers included Peter Magona, Patience Natukunda, Peter Wakoli and Adrian Bukenya, all of whom walked away with accolades in their respective categories.
With the semi-finals now set, attention turns to July 11, when the remaining contenders will battle for places in the grand finale of one of Uganda’s most anticipated amateur golf tournaments